Study on the Effect of Combined Nanosilver- Hygrothermal Treatments on Wood Properties

Abstract

In this research, the combined effect of impregnation of wood with nanosilver solution and hygrothermal treatment on some physical and mechanical properties of beech (Fagus orientalis Lipskey) and spruce (Piceaabies) woods was studied. Wood specimens, Initially, were impregnated in an impregnation cylinder for 20 minutes at the pressure of 0.25 MPa, with nanosilver solution. Then, hygrothermal treatment was carried out at the temperatures of 120, 150 and 180°C for 1, 3 and 5 hours. Control specimens, without any impregnation process, were hygrothermally treated. Volumetric Swelling after 2 and 24 hours soaking in water, bending strength, impact load resistance and compressive strength parallel to the grain of specimens were measured, according to ASTM D143 and all data were analyzed statistically. The results showed that swelling and mechanical properties were decreased by increasing the temperature and duration of hygrothermal treatment. Also, nanosilver impregnated specimens which were treated at 180 ˚C had lower swelling without Not clear and not seems. Consequently or it can be concluded that with nanosilver impregnation process of wood, hygrothermal treatment would be carried out at higher temperature (180 ˚C) to obtain better dimensional stability with no more decrease in mechanical properties