Effect of thermal rectification on mass loss and mechanical properties of Eucalyptus grandis and Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis woods

Abstract

The thermal rectification is an alternative process to add value to wood. The thermally rectified wood acquires colors similar to those observed in tropical woods, better resistance to fungi and weathering, higher dimensional stability and lower hygroscopicity. In this work, comparatively low-valued woods (Eucalyptus grandis and Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis) underwent a variety of thermal rectification treatments, and were evaluated on their mechanical properties. The hardwood was more susceptible to mass loss with increasing temperature, and was more prone to loss of mechanical resistance during thermal treatments, compared to the softwood. The thermal rectification reduced bending (for Eucalyptus only) and shear strengths. The maximum temperature tested (200ºC) was not sufficient to provoke significant losses in longitudinal compressive strength.