FTIR spectroscopy and technological characterization of heat treated Fraxinus excelsior wood

ABSTRACT Background: The wood heat treatment results in the partial degradation of its chemical constituents, mainly cellulose and hemicellulose, reducing the hygroscopicity of the material. This process improves the dimensional stability and resistance to biodeterioration and worsens the mechanical resistance. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of heat treatment on the physical, anatomical, chemical, and mechanical properties of Fraxinus excelsior wood. In untreated and heat-treated wood, the pH, buffering capacity, basic density, equilibrium moisture content, shrinkage, wood anatomy, thermogravimetric behavior, and chemistry by conventional and FTIR methods were determined. Results: Heat treated wood had lower pH (5.50), equilibrium moisture content (6.26%), shrinkage (7,29%), holocellulose contents (55,96%) and higher buffering capacity (0,479 mmol/L), extractives (8,25%), and lignin contents (35,78%). Heat treatment reduced the pH and increased the buffering capacity of the wood, reduced the holocellulose content, and increased the lignin content, leaving the wood less hygroscopic and reducing its volumetric and linear variation. The process did not change the basic density and fiber length, but it reduced their width, lumen diameter, and wall thickness. The FTIR analysis confirmed the degradation of holocellulose and division of aliphatic side chains in lignin. The maximum dredging range of untreated and heat-treated wood occurred at 350 ºC, and the heat-treated wood had a higher residual mass when subjected to 500 ºC. Conclusion: Heat-treated wood can be indicated for products used in external environments, such as floors, fences, coatings, door and window structures.