Effect of Heating Temperature on Compression Strength of Beech Wood

Arian Kapidani, Dritan Ajdinaj (Hajdini), Besnik Habipi

A study was carried out to evaluate the effects of heating treatment on compression strength parallel to grain of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) wood of Albanian origin. The heat treatment was conducted at temperatures 180, 200 and 220°C for 2 hours, at atmospheric pressure. Samples were produced from logs sapwood of origin from central Albania. Before treatment the oven dried density was calculated. The weight loss after treatment resulted from the lowest to the highest temperature respectively 4.34, 6.87 and 10.12%. Regarding to compression strength parallel to grain it was noted a positive approach to heating treatment at atmospheric pressure. The compression strength increased up to 12% for treatment at 180°C. For higher temperatures the strength started to decrease, but in all cases was above compression strength of non treated wood. It seems that thermal treated Albanian beech wood presents a suitable choice for indoor and outdoor utilisation for desks and chairs.

https://dx.doi.org/10.31873/IJEAS/6.4.2019.08