On the fluid permeability of heat treated paulownia wood.

Fibre direction cylindrical specimens from the sapwood and heartwood areas of Paulownia wood were heat treated at 180, 190, and 200°C split in eight groups of ten specimens each. Air and water permeability were measured, thereafter. Results demonstrated that heat treatment had a positive effect on air permeability both in sapwood and heartwood specimens. That increase might be attributed to the development of cell wall micro-checks caused by thermal degradation and fracture of the vessel tyloses. Liquid permeability was significantly decreased as a result of heat treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]