The effect of impregnation with silicon based compounds on some physical, mechanical and biological properties of wood

In this thesis, the effect of impregnation with silicon based compounds on some physical, mechanical and biological properties was investigated of spruce (Picea orientalis L.) and beech (Fagus orientalis L.) wood species spreading widely at East Blacksea Region of Turkey. As a silicon based compounds, Dow Corning (R) 1-6184 (Water Repellent), Dow Corning (R) Z-6341 Silan, Dow Corning (R) 2-9034 EU Emulsion, Dow Corning (R) IE 6683 and Dow Corning (R) Z70 were chosen. Wood specimens were impregnated with these compounds having concentrations of 10% and 50%. As physical properties; density (g/cm3), water absorption rate (%) and water repellent efficiency (%) as mechanical properties; compression strength parallel to grain (N/mm2) and shock strength (J/cm2) as biological properties; decay test using a brown rot fungi, C. puteana were performed on both treated and untreated specimens. As a result of the study, impregnation of wood with silicon based formulations did not decrease water absorption rate (%) considerably. However, treated specimens showed slightly higher water repellent efficiency (%). Compression strength parallel to grain of treated specimens was nearly similar to untreated specimens whilst, shock strength of treated specimens was relatively lower than that of untreated specimens. Silicon based formulations increased biological resistance of wood against to C. puteana attack.