THE INFLUENCE OF HEAT TREATMENT ON THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF PINEWOOD (PINUS SYLVESTRIS L.).

Pine-wood (Pinus sylvestris L.) was thermally modified at temperatures of 160°C and 200°C for 2, 6 and 10 hour periods, respectively. The severe conditions of the heat treatment resulted in decreased mechanical properties (compressive strength and modulus of elasticity) and a decrease in the degree of cellulose polymerization. A comparison of selected mechanical properties and the degree of cellulose polymerization indicated that there was a relationship between them and the temperature and duration of the heat treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]