Physical and colorimetric properties of Pinus elliottii var. elliottii thermally treated wood

Thermal treatment is a method to modify wood material and to improve its quality considering some parameters. It has low environmental impact and lately has been widely studied, mainly in Europe and North America. The present study aimed to evaluate physical and colorimetric properties of Pinus var. elliottii thermally treated wood. We randomly selected five trees from a homogeneous plantation aged 20 years and the samples for physical and colorimetric tests were prepared. An oven with forced air circulation was used in the thermal treatments at 130 degrees C, 170 degrees C and 210 degrees C for 3 hours, beyond the control samples. Colorimetric analyses were performed according to the CIEL*a*b* system. Temperature of 210 degrees C presented the highest changes in the volumetric variation, weight loss and equilibrium moisture content. Color also varied, in which lightness (L*) was the most representative parameter to characterize the behavior of thermally treated wood. Pine color wood was from pallid/white to dark brown, which denotes the thermal treatment as an eco-friendly and viable alternative for aesthetic and non-structural uses.