The air-free thermal conversion of wood is remarkably universal, despite of the notable differences between carbohydrate and lignin chemistry of hard- and softwoods. Many thermally modified physical and chemical properties can be characterised by a single (chemical) marker, independent of the wood species. This is explained by the universal evolution of the CHO elemental composition of thermally modified wood, containing information on the polarity and redox potential changes in the lignocellulose matrix. However, the effects of heat treatment on the mechanical properties and some complex properties (such as the biodegradation resistance) require an additional marker characterizing the cohesive strength of the lignocellulose matrix. Based on this background, the merits and limitations of selected quality control methods for thermally modified wood are discussed.

Thermal conversion chemistry of wood: Consequences for quality control of heat treated wood products

2019 Fall National Meeting

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