Investigation of the combustion, washing and water taking properties of alumina (Al2O3) applied wood material

The aim of this study was to impregnate wood with an alumina (Al2O3) solution in order to extend its usage period and to protect it against external factors to which it is exposed, thus minimizing the negative effects of washing, burning, and water absorption, as well as to obtain an impregnation material that meets suitable conditions for human health and the environment. To this purpose, in the preparation of the experimental samples, the wood species used were Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and beech (Fagus orientalis L.). Alumina (Al2O3) was the material used as the preservative. The alumina (Al2O3) was mixed with distilled water (1, 3, 5, and 10%) and the resulting solutions were applied to the wood material via immersion for 60 min at a temperature of 45 °C. Combustion (g weight loss in combustion, temperature °C, and % CO, CO2, and O2), and washing (pH.3 and pH.7), temperature 10, 22, and 40 °C) tests were carried out on the preservative-treated samples. From the data obtained, the effects on the wood material of burning, washing, and water absorption (2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h) were determined. As a result of the tests applied to the wood samples aplied aluminum oxide (Al2O3), it was determined that the (Al2O3) could not provide resistance against combustion and water absorption but yielded positive results in the leaching tests. It has been concluded that the wood material applied with alumina can be used as an alternative material that is natural, environmentally friendly and harmless to human health in areas where combustion and water absorption properties are not important.