Impact of thermal modification combined with silicon compounds treatment on wood structure

In the present study silicon containing formulations were investigated for their applicability in solid wood modification. Black pine sapwood was thermally modified at 180oC and 200oC (3, 5 and 7 hours) and afterwards, an additional chemical treatment with silicon containing systems (N-2-aminoethyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane) followed, in an attempt to invigorate hydrophobicity and durability of wood. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to examine the formation of new bonds in the treated materials and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) to measure the silane concentration. The results showed a high reactivity between thermally modified wood and organosilicon compounds. The presence of bands representing vibrations of the Si–O–CH3 group in IR spectra of modified wood and after extraction confirms the stable character of the formed bonds between the hydroxyl group of wood and the methoxy groups of organosilanes. Furthermore, reactivity between wood and AE-APTMOS and alkyd resin solution was confirmed by the AAS results. Alkyd resin caused a higher concentration of silica in wood mass, which increases as the thermal treatment temperature increases. The organosilicon compounds caused a much higher resistance to water washout, revealing permanent binding of silanes to wood mass.

Strength of corner and middle joints of upholstered furniture frames constructed with black locust and beech wood

Great interest is attracted lately in the utilization of Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) timber large quantities that are expected to be harvested and enter the market next years, since this species was included in the proposed and financed species for cultivation by the European Union. This study was carried out to evaluate the strength of the two most frequent joints in the upholstered furniture frames, constructed with black locust, using also beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) for comparative reason. In the specific research, the joints of mortise and tenon and double dowel were selected to be used and were constructed both in corner and middle joints, using two adhesives (PVAc and PUR). Bending moment capacity of the joint specimens was investigated, as well as the coefficient of elasticity of each joint.