Vol. 8, Special Issue 4, Part D (2024)

Abstract: Heat treatment of wood is an effective and eco-friendly approach to increase the durability as well as dimensional stability of the wood. It involves the treatment of wood with high temperatures in controlled conditions. In the present investigation, heat treatment of wood samples was carried out at 80, 120, 160 and 200 °C for 2,4 and 6 hours in a stability oven supplied with vacuum conditions. The study revealed significant variation among the physical properties of thermally modified wood of Acrocarpus fraxinifolius Wight & Arn. The highest value of specific gravity 0.538 was noticed at 200 °C (6h) and maximum moisture content (181.04%) was recorded in control, whereas the lowest value for specific gravity 0.400 in control and maximum moisture content (120.86%) at 200 °C (6h) were recorded. The colour of the wood became darker while no significant differences were observed in the texture of the wood. Shrinkage and swelling coefficients decreased with an increase in temperature ranges thus ultimately enhancing the dimensional stability of the wood.