Changes in surface and mechanical properties of heat treated wood during natural weathering

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the changes in moisture content, color, surface roughness, compression strength parallel to grain, modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity of heat treated ash, iroko, Scots pine and spruce wood species during natural weathering for two years. Samples were removed at 6-month intervals for performance evaluation, and test results were compared with the controls. Moisture content of heat treated samples was found to be lower than that of control samples for all exposure periods. Heat treatment significantly changed original wood color as well as weathering factors. Wood surfaces become rougher within longer weathering exposure period. Natural weathering factors caused a decrease for all strength properties. Reduction rate for strength properties of heat treated samples was relatively lower than that of control samples. Heat treatment also seemed to improve color stability and surface quality of samples after weathering.