Effect of Thermal Treatment on Chemical, Biological and Mechanical Properties of African Whitewood (Triplochiton scleroxylon K. SCHUM)

The thermal modification of wood is a potential alternative method for improving properties. This paper evaluates the effect treatment on chemical, biological and mechanical properties African Whitewood (Triplochiton scleroxylon K. Schum) by subjecting to three temperature (200, 170, 140 ℃) at different time (3, 6, 12 h). Fourier Transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer was used ascertain heat chemical constituent while were determined Modulus Elasticity (MOE) Rupture (MOR). Durability heat-treated against subterranean termites using field test also investigated. FTIR results provided information constituents after revealing cellulose hemicelluloses Triplochiton samples. decreasing intensity hydroxyl groups stretching 3341 cm-1 indicated that samples have lost some their groups. showed MOR heated-treated 200 ℃ significantly higher than untreated There 26% increase in MOE 170 relative Wood thermally treated as well strongly degraded term weight loss (WL) termite though degree degradation varied based which modified. However, gave lowest WL 20.41% compared other Therefore, strength termites’ resistance whitewood known Obeche Nigeria could be improved when modified respectively.