A very interesting point Dr. Kong. With the literature that we have with us so far, seems possible. Totally worth a try. However, modification using low temp. may not reduce strength, but may not impart enough WEE either. Which in return may not serve the purpose. Finding the optimum range will be the biggest challenge. What do you think?

Dr. Sauradipta Ganguly

Thank you for your constructive suggestions. I am currently engaged in this topic. The strength class of thermally treated dimensional lumber at varying temp. has been experimentally evaluated. The cracking resistance tests will be conducted. The study aims to provide a reference for the chemicals-free wood modification in structural application.

Dear all, as you know the thermal modification can be done by several methods and obviously the results depend on the wood species. For some of them, with high density, to reduce the strong decreasing of strength, a good way could be the steaming before thermal modification at the green state of the wood material. As said before " finding the optimum range will be the biggest challenge"

best regards

Luigi

Dear all, it is very interesting discussion in progress.

In my opinion the steaming process is also modification process. Moreover, the drying processes have also some effect on mechanical properties of wood. Sometimes, wood is conducted of partaly drying process before modification process.

Conclusion, the optimum should be found

Kindly regards

Daniel

Cracking of solid wood is normally due to shrinkage. If tensile stresses developed due to unequal shrinkage are greater than the tensile strength of wood, cracking will takes place. The crack resistance of wood can be improved by providing a coating of fibres using a suitable matrix. Application of external prestressing system by using high tension wires/ropes is another method that can be employed on wood member.