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The demand for construction timber is continuously increasing, due to its favourable characteristics. However, the adequate protection of wood is key to its successful use, as it is flammable and susceptible to biodegradation. Given that thermal modification enhances the durability of wood, and mineralisation with CaCO3 considerably improves its fire properties, it is worth considering the combined effects of the two methods. European beech (Fagus sylvatica) was selected to determine the effects of a) thermal modification, b) mineralisation through the in-situ formation of CaCO3, and c) a combination of the two procedures, on resistance to decay fungi, reaction to fire and the mechanical properties of the wood. Microscopic analysis and comparisons of the samples before and after exposure to fungi were also conducted. Mineralised wood generally had a slightly alkaline pH value and higher equilibrium moisture content, while thermal modification lowered the equilibrium moisture content. The present study demonstrated the combined effect of thermal modification and mineralisation: the best response to fire as well as resistance to fungi was achieved when the two treatments were combined. Results from the Brinell hardness and three-point bending tests indicate that both modification procedures can slightly impair the mechanical properties of the wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of thermal modification on the physical and mechanical properties of three different wood species from Bosnia and Herzegovina, namely beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.), linden wood (Tilia cordata), and silver fir wood (Abies alba). The samples underwent thermal modification at five different temperatures (170 °C, 180 °C, 195 °C, 210 °C, and 220 °C) for varying durations (ranging from 78 to 276 min). After treatment, they were exposed to outdoor conditions for twelve months. The study examined the four-point bending strength, tensile force, color change, and surface quality of the modified and unmodified samples. The results showed that outdoor exposure negatively impacted the mechanical properties of the unmodified samples, especially in the linden wood which was 41% and the beech wood which was 42%. Additionally, outdoor exposure caused significant surface cracks in the thermally modified linden and beech wood. The study also found prominent color changes in the modified and unmodified samples during twelve months of exposure. The roughness of the samples was determined with a confocal laser scanning microscope, which showed that the roughness increased on both the axial and the longitudinal surfaces after weathering. The highest roughness for the fir wood was determined to be 15.6 µm. Overall, this study demonstrates the importance of wood modification and its impact on the use-value of wood products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of non-biocidal and environmentally friendly systems to protect wood against biological decay has become a high priority in recent years. In the present study the impact of an innovative modification procedure, combining two environmentally friendly modification methods: thermal modification and mineralisation, using an aqueous solution of calcium acetoacetate as a precursor, on the fungal durability of wood was evaluated. European beechwood (Fagus sylvatica) and Norway sprucewood (Picea abies) were selected as model wood species. Wood samples were treated using either a single or combination of both methods and exposed to four different fungi: Gloeophyllum trabeum , Rhodonia placenta , Trametes versicolor and Pleurotus ostreatus. The effect of the different modifications on moisture content, dynamic vapour sorption, contact angle and pH value was also evaluated. Overall, the highest durability against Rhodonia placenta , Trametes versicolor and Pleurotus ostreatus was achieved through thermal modification in both wood species, while the combination of mineralisation and thermal modification has a synergistic effect against degradation by Gloeophyllum trabeum. In the case of beechwood the mass loss decreased from 41% for native to 6% for combined modified samples. We proved that the effectiveness of different treatment against fungal decay of wood were in strong dependence of their moisture content, dynamic vapour sorption, contact angle and pH values. The role of fungi on the morphology of the wood and on crystal structure of formed carbonate was investigated using SEM-EDS analysis. [Display omitted] • Presented ecological modification of wood can be an alternative to biocides. • A significant improvement in the fungal durability of wood was achieved. • Thermal modification and mineralisation work synergistic against wood decay fungi. • The reasons for a synergistic effect of combining methods were proposed. • The mass loss decreased from 41% for native to 6% for combined modified beechwood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]