"STRENGTH PROPERTIES, THERMAL STABILITY AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF ACETYLATED OBECHE (Triplochiton scleroxylon K. SCHUM) WOOD "

Acetylation is a well-established process to improve dimensional properties of wood and resistance fungi attack. This study was carried out due limited studies on the effect acetylation mechanical properties, thermal stability, microstructural aspects wood. Wood blocks, (each 20×20×60 mm) Obeche were acetylated with acetic anhydride at 120 °C for 60, 120, 180, 240 300 minutes. The microstructure stability unmodified blocks assessed using SEM TGA, respectively. maximum compressive strength (MCS//g) modulus elasticity (MOE) specimens also determined. indicated no visible damage or defect in all significant differences compared untreated Acetylated showed an increased