Effect of One-Sided Surface Charring of Beech Wood on Density Profile and Surface Wettability

One-sided surface charred European beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) was studied. Radial and tangential specimens of dimensions 50 × 25 350 mm were one-sided at 200, 250, 300, 350, 400 °C for various times using a contact heating system. Specimens mm3 prepared treatment intensity analysis its effect on wettability. Density profiles the radial determined X-ray densitography with resolution 0.05 mm. The wettability analyzed via angle, measured sessile drop method over 10 to 150 s. oven-dried partially submerged in water uptake recorded after 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 48, 72 h according EN-927-5. density specimen groups 200 6 min 250 4 decreased by about 4.5 8.2%. With increasingly severe charring, 15.5 33.5%. A mild charring process produced layer approx. 2 mm, while higher temperatures longer affected up 4–6 beneath surface. Differences found between specimens. most significant decrease 56% group 20 floating h. Water modified 38% 36%, respectively. did not show any statistically decrease. average min, 1 greater than that reference; variability data significantly due highly anisotropic character Micro cracks also visible Concluding from results this study, exhibits increased potential terms wood–water related properties when temperature range 200–400 is applied.