SOME PROPERTIES OF TURKISH SWEETGUM BALSAM (STYRAX LIQUIDUS) IMPREGNATED ORIENTAL BEECH WOOD PART II: DECAY RESISTANCE, MECHANICAL, AND THERMAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate decay resistance, some mechanical properties such as modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of eleasticity (MOE), compressison strength parallel to grain (CSPG) and thermal characteristics of Oriental beech wood impregnated with Turkish Sweetgum Balsam (TSB). Wood specimens were impregnated with 2, 4, and 6 percent ethanol solutions of TSB according to ASTM D1413, 2007 standard before tests. Our results showed that TSB impregnation improved the level of decay resistance of Oriental beech wood considerably. MOR, MOE and CSPG values were lower than that of the untreated control specimen. Moreover, higher concentration levels of TSB resulted in lower MOR, MOE, and CSPG values of Oriental beech wood. The highest residual char yield was obtained with 2 % TSB impregnated Oriental beech wood after thermal test.