The effects of thermal treatment on the mechanical properties of wild Pear (Pyrus elaeagnifolia Pall.) wood and changes in physical properties

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of thermal treatment on the mechanical and physical properties of wild pear wood. The results obtained for thermal treatment at 160 degrees C for 2 h showed that the modulus of elasticity was increased about 5%, while bending strength and compression strength decreased by 7.42% and 7.55%, respectively. The physical properties of wild pear wood were improved as 2.6%, 5.3%, 8.5% and 0.8% swelling in tangential, radial and longitudinal sections and 1.7% 1.1% and 0.9% at 50, 65 and 85 Rh% and changes in Delta Eab* was 8.50%, respectively. It was determined that the changes ratio of these properties increased as the temperature and durations were increasing. Therefore, wild pear wood can be used as an alternative for tropical woods in decoration and veneer industry. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.