Selected Physical and Mechanical Properties of Microwave Heat Treated Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis)

The objectives of this study were to evaluate some of physical and mechanical properties of rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) as function of microwave heat treatment process. The specimens were heat treated at three temperature levels of 150 °C, 180 °C, and 220 °C for 20 min in a small microwave oven...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied sciences 2020-09, Vol.10 (18), p.6273
Main Authors: Chotikhun, Aujchariya, Kittijaruwattana, Jitralada, Salca, Emilia-Adela, Hiziroglu, Salim
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Advantages
Cellulose
dimensional stability
Discoloration
Hardness
Heat treating
Heat treatment
Heat treatments
Hevea brasiliensis
Lignin
Lumber
Mechanical properties
Micrography
microwave
Microwaves
Modulus of elasticity
Modulus of rupture
Moisture content
Photomicrographs
Physical properties
Rubberwood
Scanning electron microscopy
Shear strength
Temperature
Water absorption
Wood products
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Summary:The objectives of this study were to evaluate some of physical and mechanical properties of rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) as function of microwave heat treatment process. The specimens were heat treated at three temperature levels of 150 °C, 180 °C, and 220 °C for 20 min in a small microwave oven connected to a computer. Bending characteristics, namely modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR) as well as hardness of the samples were tested. Dimensional stability in the form of swelling and water absorption of the specimens were also determined. Based on the findings in this work it appears that microwave can be used successfully for heat treatment of rubberwood. Overall mechanical properties of the samples were adversely influenced by the treatment. MOE, MOR and hardness values of the samples treated at a temperature of 220 °C had 2.37, 3.69, and 2.12 times reduced than those of control samples, respectively. Dimensional stability of the heat treated samples as a result of 2-h and 24-h water soaking improved. Micrographs take from scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) revealed that certain amount of damage took place in the cellwall of the treated specimens. Overall discoloration on the samples due to microwave heat treatment was found insignificant.
ISSN:2076-3417
2076-3417
DOI:10.3390/app10186273