The effect of heat treatment on the characteristics of the short rotation teak

An innovative eco-friendly technology, applied to improve the quality of the short rotation teak, was wood modification by heat treatment. The study was to investigate the effects of heat treatment at 180 degrees C, 200 degrees C, and 220 degrees C on the characteristics of the short rotation teak. The results show that the short rotation teak degraded hemicellulose and increased alpha-cellulose and lignin after the heat treatment. Anti-swelling efficiency value after heat treatment was improved ranging between 12.9% and 46.7%, indicating an improvement in dimensional stability. The MOE and MOR values decreased after heat treatment. The heat treated sample at 180 degrees C after graveyard test was the lowest in weight loss, which presented good durability against termite (rating 9) and decay (rating 10). The surface roughness and SFE values decreased as the heating temperature increased. The heat treated at 220 degrees C provided the lowest K-values (0.04 for acrylic and 5.04 for alkyd paint) which indicate the poorest wettability.

Automated summary

The study showed that heat treatment of short rotation teak resulted in degradation of hemicellulose, increase in alpha-cellulose and lignin, improved anti-swelling efficiency, but decreased MOE and MOR values. The sample treated at 180 degrees C exhibited the best durability against termite and decay, while the sample treated at 220 degrees C had the poorest wettability.