engleski

Properties of Croatian Heat Treated Hardwood Floorings

Heat treated wood (HTW) can be successfully appllied for floorings due to its better moisture resistance, increased dimensional stability, and uniform colour change to darker, brownish colours. The aim of this work was to define the hygroscopic range, equilibrium moisture content (EMC) at ambient conditions, density and biological durability of heat treated parquet elements of hornbeam, ash and beech. Material was treated at two temperature levels, 190 °C and 210 °C, and the properties were compared with native wood. The reduction in dimensional changes was expressed by volumetric shrinking and Anti Shrink Efficiency (ASE). Additionally, parquet elements, produced from HTW, were oil-impregnated and waxed, and subsequently tested for water vapor and liquid water permeability. Shrinking coefficients of HTW were not reduced in comparison with native beech wood. However, the significant reduction in absolute water uptake resulted in ca 50 % lower EMC values and up to ca 60 % improved ASE values of HTW. Heat treatment only slightly reduced the density of all species tested, but significantly improved their biological durability. This biological resistance was drastically influenced by treatment temperatures above 190 °C. Surface treatment with flooring oil and wax further improved the hygroscopic properties of HTW parquet elements.

heat treated wood; parquet elements; hygroscopic range; dimensional stability; density; biological durability

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