Dimensional stability and colour change of heat-treated young teak wood

Teak is a famous commercial timber; however, many community forests produce low-quality teak from young trees. This research aimed to investigate the effect of heat treatment on the dimensional stability and colour of young teak wood. Wood samples were pre-dried using a fan or in an oven at 40 degrees C. The heat treatments were conducted at three temperatures (120, 150, and 180 degrees C) and for two durations (2 and 6 h). Water absorption, dimensional stability, and colour tests were then performed. The results showed that the density of the teak wood slightly decreased after heat treatment. However, its dimensional stability improved substantially, in accordance with its reduced water absorption. Furthermore, the surface of the young teak became darker, with a more even brown colour.