Effect of high temperature treatment on physical, mechanic and technologic properties of wild cherry (Cerasus avium (L.) Monench) wood

The aim of this study is to identify the effects of weathering process accelerated through thermal modification on certain wooden material properties essential for area of utilization. In this study, the wood of wild cherry (Cerasus avium(L.) Monench) was exposed to heat treatment at 190°C and 212 °C for 1 and 2 hours by using the method of ThermoWood. Oven dry density, air dry density, shrinkage, swelling, thermal conductivity, surface roughness, glossiness and color from physical properties were observed. In mechanical resistance properties, parallel compressive strength on fibers, bending strength, modulus of elasticity in bending, impact bending strength and perpendicular tensile to fibers, additionally janka hardness in technological aspect were observed. Test samples prepared for weathering underwent 864 artificially accelerated weathering processes, and average surface roughness, glossiness and color measurements were taken. Prior to experimental process, samples were kept for sufficient time in an environment of 20±2 °C temperature and % 60±5 relative humidity. Following heat treatment, improvements in physical properties were observed, color darkened, and radiance reduced. While parallel compressive strength on fibers and elastic modulus in bending from mechanical properties increased, other mechanical properties declined. Whereas janka hardness rose in transversal section, differences in tangential and radial section were observed. According to the results obtained from aged samples, it was observed that heat treatment improved surface flatness; the samples with darker color and reduced radiance had similar color and radiance following prolonged ageing practice. The results of study showed that wood of wild cherry (Cerasus avium(L.) Monench) is compatible with area of usage bringing dimensional stability forefront but not proper to be used as load-bearing structural unit. On the other hand, it has been understood that it has notable opportunities for furniture production but, for outdoors usage complementary measures need to be taken so as to provide color stabilization after heat treatment. Anahtar sözcükler: Wild Cherry, ThermoWood, Accelerated Weathering, Physical properties, Mechanical properties