Effect of microwave treatment on the impregnability and mechanical properties of Eucalyptus globulus wood

Abstract

Application of microwave energy to wood can increase permeability in order to improve the impregnation of treatments, particularly important in refractory species such as eucalyptus. However, microwave treatment can also affect the physical and mechanical properties of wood. This paper discusses the application of microwave treatments of different intensities to improve impregnability (uptake and retention) and examines the effects on the mechanical properties of eucalyptus wood (Eucalyptus globulus). Microwave treatments significantly improve uptake and retention of the protective agent, especially in the most severe treatment. In contrast, there was a clear decrease in mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity and bending, compression, tension and shear strength) as a function on the energy applied. The effect of microwaves on the properties of wood varies depending on moisture content at the time of treatment.

Influence of intermittent and continuous microwave heating on drying kinetics and wood behavior of Eucalyptus Gomphocephala

“…The degradation occurs in wood heated above 100°C, and can affect the chemical constituents of the cell wall or cause major structural damage. This efect was already observed by Eva Hermoso et al [12]. The second solution proposed in this study is to apply an intermittent drying process.…”

Effect of Microwave Pretreatment on the Properties of Particleboard Made from Para Rubber Wood Sawdust with the Addition of Polyhydroxyalkanoates

“…It was also clear that the panels made with pure PHA showed a decreasing trend of MOR values as the pretreatment time increased above 10 min whereas the panels made using freeze-dried cell PHA showed a decreased MOR with increasing pretreatment time at 400 watts treatment. These results correspond to Hermoso and Vega (2016) that microwave has effect on the MOR of wood. MOR will decrease as a function of the MW energy and time consumption applied.…”

Northeastern United States species treated with copper-based preservatives: Durability in mississippi stake tests

“…Additionally, the relatively high incidence of termite attack in eastern spruce (Figure 3) may also be a function of limited preservative penetration. Adequate treatment of eastern spruce may require use of alternative preservative formulations or more complex pretreatment conditioning methods (Hermoso and Vega 2016).…”