Thermally modified wood

Beechwood processed at different temperatures. From left to right: 200 °C, 190 °C, untreated
comparison European Ash, left= untreated, right= thermally modified
wood surface, thermally modified European Ash wood

Thermally modified wood is engineered wood that has been modified by a controlled pyrolysis process of wood being heated to (> 180 °C) in an oxygen free atmosphere. This process changes to the chemical structures of wood's cell wall components lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose which decreases its hygroscopy and thus increases dimensional stability.[1] Low oxygen content prevents the wood from burning at these high temperatures. Several different technologies use different media including nitrogen gas, steam and hot oil. All processes degrade strength and toughness of the treated lumber to some degree.

  1. ^ "What is Thermally Modified Wood?". Hardwood Distributors Association. 2015-07-28. Archived from the original on 2019-09-18. Retrieved 2019-09-13.