Effects of thermal modification on the physical, chemical and micromechanical properties of Masson pine wood (Pinus massoniana Lamb.)

Abstract

In an attempt to evaluate the effects of thermal treatment on wood cell walls (CWs), Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) wood was thermally modified (TM) at 150, 170 and 190°C for 2, 4 and 6 h, respectively. The chemical properties, cellulose crystallinity (CrI) and micromechanics of the control and thermally modified wood (TMW) were analyzed by wet chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction and nanoindentation. The relative lignin content and CrI increased after the TM partly degraded the amorphous wood polymers. The relative lignin content was higher in TMW and the equilibrium moisture content decreased. Moreover, the elastic modulus (Er) and hardness (H) of TMW were lowered along with the creep ratio decrement (CIT) of CWs. However, a severe treatment (e.g. 190°C/6 h) may negatively affect the mechanical properties of CWs caused by the partial degradation of hemicelluloses and also cellulose.