Effect of Thermal Treatment on the Chemical, Physical, and Mechanical Properties of Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur L.) Wood

Changes in the chemical composition and selected physico-mechanical properties of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) wood samples were assessed after thermal treatment. Heat treatment was performed at 160, 180, and 200 °C in an oxidizing atmosphere. The contents of the extractives, lignin, cellulose, holocellulose, and saccharides, and the structural changes in the functional groups were determined. Changes in the colour traits, wood density, compression strength parallel to the grain, and compression modulus of elasticity were also determined. The decrease in the holocellulose content caused by the degradation of non-glucosic saccharides was observed during thermal treatment. The contents of both the extractives and lignin increased. The syringyl to guaiacyl (S/G) ratio in the lignin increased because of the preferential condensation of guaiacyl units. The physical and mechanical properties of pedunculate oak wood, such as density, equilibrium moisture content, colour lightness, and yellowness, decreased as the temperature increased. The compression strength and redness varied during thermal treatment, and reached maximum values during the treatment at 180 °C. The modulus of elasticity showed non-significant differences. Three groups of heat treatment clusters were distinguished in the multivariate wood trait analysis and were clearly segregated from each other.