Preparation of High Density and Strength Carbon Materials from Deciduous Wood

Abstract

Some species of deciduous trees with a soft wood texture are out of demand as a commercial wood. Such species is grey alder – Alnus incana (L) Moench. It is used for box board and fuel chips production or as firewood. Grey alder is an excellent pioneer species for reestablishing woodlands on disused farmlands. In the present study, the feasibility to convert this easy-procurable raw material to a high density and strength carbon material has been investigated. High temperature induced autohydrolysis was employed to convert the wood into a self-binding material. By moulding the modified wood (MW) in a hot press at 160 – 170oC and subsequent carbonization of the boards at 500 – 600oC, carbon boards with a good mechanical strength and a high density were obtained