Effects of Heat-Treatment on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Indonesian-grown Schizolobium parahyba Wood

Schizolobium parahyba, a fast-growing tree species from South America, was introduced to Indonesia as a potential timber source. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of heat-treatment at 150-200 ºC (4h) on the physical and mechanical properties of S. parahyba wood. The results show that weight loss (WL) increased from 2.62 ± 0.29% at 150 ºC to 9.22 ± 0.86% at 190 ºC, while anti-swelling efficiency (ASE) increased from 3.44 ± 0.78% at 150 ºC to 29.84 ± 5.40 % at 180 ºC. Compressive strength parallel to grain (CP) increased from 37.99 ± 6.49 MPa (control) to 46.50 ± 5.52 MPa at 170 ºC but declined at higher temperatures. Meanwhile, static bending strength and compressive strength perpendicular to grain (CT) decreased at ≥180 ºC. Overall, moderate heat-treatment at 170 and 180 ºC enhanced dimensional stability and improved CP, whereas higher temperatures (≥180 ºC) caused substantial weight and strength losses.

Keywords:
anti-swelling efficiency; heat-treatment temperatures; introduced wood species; wood compressive strength