Effect of bio-oil and epoxidized linseed oil on physical, mechanical and biological properties of treated wood

Abstract

In this article, the effects of bio-oil and epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) on water absorption, tangential swelling, decay and insect resistance, thermo-gravimetric analysis, and mechanical properties of treated wood samples were studied. The bio-oil used in this article was by-product of ThermoWood thermal modification process. Linseed oil and hydrogen peroxide were used to prepare ELO. The results indicated that the samples treated with bio-oil had lower water absorption than that of the control group. The sec- ond treatment with ELO significantly reduced further the water absorption. The decay resistance of treated wood samples with 20% of bio-oil against brown (Coniophora puteana) and white rot (Trametes versicolor) fungi was very high. According to the insect test results, increasing bio-oil concentration from 10% to 20% significantly decreased surviving rate of Hylotrupes bajulus. Thermo-gravi- metric analysis showed that all treated samples had higher initial deterioration temperature than that of the control group. Regarding the wood strength, the impregnated bio-oil generally reduced the mechanical properties of wood except modulus of elasticity (MOE). VC 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1562–1569, 201