Abstract

Heat treatment is often applied to some wood species to improve the dimensional stability of the wood. In this study, the effects of heat treatment on the colour of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and UludaÄŸ fir [Abies Nordmanniana (Stev.) subsp. Bornmuelleriana (Mattf.)] were examined. These species have a high potential for industrial usage and are found on large plantations in Turkey. Changes in the chemical structure of the treated wood were determined by analyzing the holocellulose and lignin content, as well as, the hot water solubility. Wood specimens obtained from Bolu, Turkey were subjected to heat treatment under atmospheric pressure at varying temperatures (120, 150, and 180°C) for varying durations (2, 6, and 10 h), then some chemical properties and colour change of the wood specimens were tested in comparison with untreated ones. The results showed that chemical properties decreased with increased treatment temperature and durations while heat treatment made the colour of the wood specimens dark.

Key words: Scots pine and UludaÄŸ fir, thermal treatment, colour, chemical properties.