Abstract

This study investigated the effect of steaming on fixation of compression set and the effect of these treatments on mechanical properties of heat-compressed wood specimens. To determine the effect of steaming after compression set, wood specimens were compressed for 100min at 180f and then steamed for 20-100min at $120^{\circ}C$. Swelling tests were used to evaluate recovery of compression set. Bending, compression, and Brinell hardness tests were carried out for evaluating mechanical properties. Compressed wood steamed for 100 min at $120^{\circ}C$ showed 1.9% recovery of set, increases in bending and compressive properties, and no hardness change. We concluded that almost complete fixation of compression set in wood can be achieved by steaming compressed wood.

Keywords

• heat-compressed wood;
• fixation of compression set;
• steaming