Optimization of thermally-compressed wood of Trewia nudiflora species using statistical Box-Behnken design and desirability function

A multi-criteria decision strategy based on desirability function and Box-Behnken design as response surface methodology have been used to concomitantly optimize process parameters and two important mechanical properties in compressed wood production from Trewia nudiflora species. The steaming time (min), pressing time (min) and pressing temperature (°C) were selected as process parameters where as modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) as responses. The optimized parameters for compressed wood production were found to be: steaming time 60 min, pressing time 10 min and pressing temperature 183.16 °C and under these conditions optimized responses were 1,229.2 N/mm2 for MOE and 45.46 N/mm2 for MOR. © 2014 Indian Academy of Wood Science.