Improving the properties of solid Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) wood by using modification technology and agents

Abstract

The main aim of the study is to improve or upgrade the material properties of solid wood with substances and methods that do not cause undue strain on the environment. Traditionally, the qualities of wood have been enhanced with various preservatives, but wood preservation has undergone great changes worldwide due to environmental concerns and governmental regulations. This has increased the demand for the development of wood properties in other ways, for example by using modification technology and agents which will increase the usability of wood in current and future applications. The modification methods used in this study are impregnation and heat treatment. The impacts of modifications on the functional properties of solid wood are studied and the factors affecting the treatment are discussed. The study shows that wood impregnation is a challenge at some instances, but successful impregnation contributes to various wood properties. Heat treatment, as a post-treatment for impregnated wood, increases the beneficial properties of wood. Especially, the properties of moisture and discoloration resistance are improved significantly after the combination treatment of melamine and heat. Additionally, beneficial alterations are observed in strength and fire performance. The achieved results are mostly comparable with the modified wood products that are currently on the market. According to the findings, thermal modification with moderate temperature to melamine-impregnated wood appears to be advantageous, depending on the parameters used.