Plasticity increase of beech veneer by steaming and gaseous ammonia treatment

Ammonia treatment was used in order to change the colour of wood and also to plasticize the wood before bending or compressing. The mechanism and the process of gaseous ammonia treatment impact on wood are not very well known. The goal of this study was to quantify the effect of gaseous ammonia on mechanical properties, i.e., modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR) and deflection at maximal loading force (yFmax). When wood was treated by water and ammonia vapour together, significant changes in plasticity of wood were observed. The samples which were firstly exposed to water vapour and then to ammonia vapour exhibit the lowest values of MOE and MOR and an enhanced flexibility of the material. The results show that ammonia treatment increases wood plasticity. This process can be used for manufacturing of bent furniture.