Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates the combined effects of compression along the grain by 20% after steaming (pleating), and thermal treatment on the mechanical and physical properties of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.). Pleating significantly increased plasticity and maximum deflection, reaching 339% of untreated values in beech and 337% in oak. However, it reduced bending strength and modulus of elasticity to about 50%. Keeping the specimen compressed for 5 h (fixation) during the thermo-hydro-mechanical modification process of pleating further decreased the modulus of elasticity to 26%–29% of untreated levels. Thermal treatment at 160 °C increased bending strength of fixated specimens to 120.5% in beech and 125.3% in oak, partially restoring strength, while at 200 °C, it decreased drastically to 26.7% and 21.5%, respectively. Density was reduced by thermal treatment, with oven-dry values decreasing by 6.2% (beech) and 12.7% (oak) at 160 °C, and by 18.2% and 25.1% at 200 °C. The results indicate that high-temperature treatment (200 °C) leads to wood with brittle properties.
Source: Forests
DOI: 10.3390/f16111702
Authors: Mátyás Báder, Bíbor Júlia Horváth, Miklós Bak
Institution: University of Sopron
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Funder: Magyar Tudományos Akadémia
Award: G6859089752
OpenAlex ID: W4416067553