Influence of Heat Treatment Conditions on Strength Properties of Poplar Wood (Populus deltoides)

In this research heat treatments of poplar wood in 2 different mediums (hot water and steam) at 185ºC were done in the sealed autoclave for 1 and 3 hours. Specimens were compared in density and mechanical properties. Density loss in hydrothermally treated wood was higher than hygrothermally treated samples. Mechanical properties (MOR and MOE) were decreased in both mediums، but strength loss was higher for hygrothermal treated samples. Compression strength parallel to grain didn’t show any significant change for hydrothermally treated wood but decreased in specimens with hygrothermal treatment. Poplar wood showed more decrease in toughness test with hygrothermal treatment. According to the results، hydrothermal treatment of poplar wood is recommended as a modification method with less negative effects on mechanical properties