Evaluation of engineering characteristics of decayed thermo-wood by brown rot fungus

 The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of heat treatment on bio-durability and some physical and mechanical properties of beech (Fagus Sp.) and pine (Pinus Sp.). Thermo-wood samples were prepared from beech and pine species based on thermo-D process. Heat-treated and untreated wood specimens were evaluated after exposing to brown rot fungus for 16 weeks. The laccase activity and its effect on mass loss and wood density were investigated. Results showed that deterrence value of heat treatment on mass loss caused by brown rot fungus have been 76.92% and 44.32% in beech and pine wood, respectively. So, laccase activity and its efficiency on mass loss of control specimens was more than heat treated wood. The results also showed that thermally modification at high temperatures reduced wood density. However, it had deterrent effect on decrease of density caused by brown rot fungus activity. Moreover, some mechanical properties including impact strength and compression parallel to grain of wood specimens were measured. The results generally showed that thermal modification improves the bio-durability of both wood species. The results also revealed reduction of mechanical properties due to heat treatment except compression parallel to grain.