Wood-water interactions of thermally modified, acetylated and melamine formaldehyde resin impregnated beech wood

Abstract The wood-water interactions of modified beech wood ( Fagus sylvatica L.) were studied. Specimens thermally at 180 (TM 1 ), 200 2 ) and 220 °C 3 acetylated (Acet), melamine formaldehyde (MF) resin (Mel) modified. Afterwards, the water vapour characteristics, i.e. sorption isotherms, equilibrium moisture content (EMC), dimensional stability specimens conditioned 30, 65 90% RH liquid absorption, maximum (MC), leachability swelling kinetics, determined results compared with reference (Ref) specimens. From results, it is evident that scale was highly dependent on thermal modification temperature type chemical modification. isotherms decreased, whereas more severe treatment exhibited distinct reduction. EMC values Mel TM decreased only high RH, most significant decrease, within whole range observation, found in Acet group. MC reduction achieved by acetylation. As a consequence reduction, expressed as anti-swelling efficiency (ASE) considerably improved. A relatively initial linear-phase rate for Ref specimens, comparatively slow gradual swelling.