The durability of natural and thermomodified black poplar wood and Scots pine sapwood after two years of external exposition

IRG/WP 16-40730

A Fojutowski, A Kropacz, A Noskowiak

Natural biological durability of many European wood species is considered to be relatively small, particularly in a ground contact conditions. This is due to the exposure of the wood to the range of biological and atmospheric destructive factors. This may to limit the scope of application of the wood of these species, particularly in construction. The biocides are often used for wood protection in order to increase its the natural durability, which, however, under direct influence of weathering, a threat to the environment may cause, among others as a result of leaching. One of interesting alternative for biocide treating processes for receiving more durable building wooden materials seems to be a thermally modification of wood which is a subject of consideration since ca. 1930, reaching nowadays the industrial scale. Thermomodified wood is less hygroscopic, more dimensional stable, durable and resistant to fungal decay due to reduction of the amount of hydroxyl groups of cellulose and hemicelluloses. The changes of wood properties depends strongly of parameter of its thermally treatment, moisture content, species of wood, other additional processes such as treatment with oils. The aim of this research was to identify resistance of thermally modified wood after two years of exposition in conditions of contact with the ground according to EN 252 method. It was stated, that thermomodified black poplar wood and Scots pine sapwood after two years of field exposition decomposes in ground contact slower, than respectively the natural wood of these species and the greatest degradation occurred in natural poplar wood.


Keywords: resistance, wood, thermal modification, field test, contact with ground

Conference: 16-05-15/19 Lisbon, Portugal


Download document (553 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document