Variations in compression strength and surface roughness of heat-treated Turkish river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) wood

Abstract

This article reports the effects of heat treatment on compression strength parallel to the grain, the surface roughness [average roughness (R-n)], and the air-dry density of wood from the river red gum tree (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn.) planted in Turkey. Eucalyptus wood was heat-treated at temperatures varying from 120 degrees to 180 degrees C for durations of 2-10h. Samples cut from the heat-treated wood were tested for air-dry density, compression strength parallel to grain, and surface roughness properties. Roughness measurements by the stylus method were made in the direction perpendicular to the fiber. Based on the findings in this study, the results showed that density, compression strength, and surface roughness values decreased with increasing treatment temperature and treatment times. Eucalyptus wood could be utilized by using proper heat treatment techniques without any losses in strength values in areas where working, stability, and surface smoothness, such as in window frames, are important factors.