Chemical analysis of heat treated softwoods

Heat treatment of wood has been found an effective method to improve dimensional stability and durability against biodegradation. A two-stage heat treatment of wood at relatively mild conditions (< 200 degrees C) was investigated by using different chemical analysing methods, such as a wood chemical component analysis, CHNO-elemental analysis, UV spectroscopy, and analysis of the acetyl and free hydroxyl group content. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the typical reaction mechanisms occurring and of the effect of heat treatment on the properties of wood, as described in previous 13C-NMR and FTIR studies of heat treated wood.