Experimental study of material properties of modified Scots pine

The mechanical and physical properties of modified timber were assessed by experimental work. The timber was modified using three different methods: acetylation with acetic anhydride, modification with methylated melamine formaldehyde resin and heat treatment in an oil bath. The wood material was sapwood of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) with dimensions of 45 x 70 x 1100 mm. A total of 99 specimens were included in this study. The following properties and their inter-relations were studied: density, modulus of elasticity (MOE), bending creep deflection and relative creep. It was found that all the modifications successfully reduced the relative creep. However, the performance properties of modified timber ought not to be calculated on the basis of density, as is the case for untreated wood. On the other hand, the long-term performance of modified timber can be assessed by its initial MOE and the difference in equilibrium moisture content (EMC) between two climates.