Thermowood: features of the material and its coloration

But in recent years become increasingly popular of its special variety - thermowood, wherein improved performance and broader applicability. In this part of the tutorial, this unique material will be discussed in detail.

• What is thermowood.
• History thermowood.
• Thermo properties.
• Application area.
• Coloring thermowood.

What is thermowood

Thermowood obtained by special thermal treatment of various coniferous and deciduous wood (pine, ash, oak and others). Another name for the material - Thermomodified wood (TMW) or thermowood. Depending on the country of manufacture, the production of TMD may be different, but the maximum distribution was received by the Finnish technology. Its essence lies in the thermal hydrolysis of wood with limited access of air in the water vapor atmosphere at high temperatures (150-240⁰S).

The heat treatment may be a single-stage and multi-stage, in the second case, water vapor is supplied under pressure (1.6 bar). Also suitable rectification - pressurized air is not supplied steam and the inert gas (nitrogen), this method produced a higher quality TMP.

Depending on the temperature of the steam, which is processed wood, it is divided into classes, differing appearance and properties.

• Pairs to 190⁰S - first class, easy to change hue, minimal improvement of properties.
• Steam to 210⁰S - second class, a darker shade, increased strength and resistance to rot.
• Steam to 240⁰S - third class (higher), the dark saturated colors, the maximum density, hardness, strength.

If simplify - wood forced dried at higher temperatures, but as a result exposure steam or gas is removed from it not only moisture but also polysaccharides, provoking process rot. Initially attempted to modify wood by chemical reagents but after such treatment material, though acquired improved properties, but becomes harmful to consumers and the environment. Thermal modification is completely safe and allows you to achieve better performance with no loss of sustainability.

History thermowood

Make the tree more strong and durable attempted since ancient times - it was digested in an oil or saline soaked calcined. The first scientific research in the field of heat treatment of wood date from the thirties of the last century - the Germans were pioneers, Stamm and Hansen. In America, about the stuff talked a little later, in the forties, and the first results of scientific papers on the subject have been published only in the sixties of the past century (Coleman, Schneider).

Interested in the process and in other countries, such as France and the Netherlands (Holland), but most seriously to the problem came the Finns, in the nineties has developed a technology steam thermo-high temperatures. Today, the production of TMP is widespread in Europe and in America and in our country.

properties thermowood

As a result, thermo-wood in improving almost all parameters. She becomes:

Resistant to the external environment - by acquiring a more compact structure maximally reduced hygroscopicity, wood ceases to absorb moisture. It is no longer valid, not only couples, even a direct hit by the water will have no effect on the material, and when fully immersed in an aqueous environment for a long time, moisture accumulates not more than 8% of the total masses. Rain, snow, fog and other vagaries of nature thermowood, in contrast to the usual, will take quite calmly.

stable - always retains the geometry and dimensions, there is no danger of "helicopter" instead of a flat board. In addition, possible cracking.

durable - even a relatively soft grade Original embodiment after treatment becomes hard and resistant to mechanical damage. On wood is not characteristic dents from bumps and scratches, damage the surface is quite difficult and intentionally, not something accidentally.

safe - and it is not only the preservation of natural and ecological, but also increase the fire resistance class, thermowood weakly ignited and flared badly.

decorative - more precisely drawn texture, brighter, more saturated and more uniform becomes a shade.

durability - multiplied life, both in domestic and in external use. This is due to resistance to the pathogenic microflora (mold, fungus), rot and pests.

Against the background of the list of advantages of the most significant drawback of TMD is its high cost, but if take into account the nearly infinite lifespan and these properties, it loses its negative significance.

Application area

Through the modification in thermowood significantly expands the scope of application.

Evgeny Sereda (BIOFA specialist company):

Thermowood is one of the most durable solution for external facades and terraces of wooden houses, cottages, gazebos or flooring.

It is a versatile, widely demanded material.

Termodoska on the facade - most of the Planck wall paneling, block-house. Facing years retains the appearance, you can forget about fissuring, cracks and rot. Such facade requires minimal maintenance during operation.

Termodoska terraces, verandas and gazebos - open and unheated zones require wear-resistant coatings, termodoska not afraid of falling rain, temperature fluctuations. On the floor, there will be no gap, the elements are not crack from dryness or distortions do not have to cover up every season and to repaint the floor.

Termodoska in wet areas - sauna baths, bathrooms and areas around swimming pools is also demanding on the finish, but due to the constant high humidity or direct contact with water. In addition, TMD bad conductor of heat and is not heated.

Termodoska for tracks - track not only decorate the site and make it easier to access in any weather, but also subjected to high loads, the effects of precipitation and moisture. Tracks from TMD natural and decorative, with maximum reliability and durability.

coloring thermowood

Against the background of maximum resistance to humidity, aggressive environments and pests, TMD retains susceptibility to solar radiation - when exposed to direct rays of surface burns and gets dirty gray shade. But unlike the conventional timber, it is rather a visual effect as breakdown of the structure occurs in the uppermost layer without penetrating in depth and without threatening the integrity and strength of the material. In the absence of the protective coating thermowood during the year fade in the 0.05-0.1 mm, so it is also required to let the minimum, but additional treatment.

To maintain the attractiveness of TMD, experts recommend the use of oil funds.

Evgeny Sereda

Natural oils, it is an environmentally friendly product that emphasizes the natural texture of wood and does not form on the surface of the film, which eventually peel off and crack. They have a high elasticity, easy to operate and do not require rounding, but only updates topcoat.

Coloring technology TMU oil depends on the application.

Evgeny Sereda

Apply the compositions better brush with natural or mixed pile, rubbing along the fiber a thin layer. Should always be covered with colored oils, as thermowood very prone to fading and quickly turn gray and zakolerovannye in the color of the oil as much as possible for a long time to protect against ultraviolet radiation.

The coating is applied in two layers:

• first - colored teak oil;

• second - depending on the destination of the product.

On the vertical surface protective applied for outdoor use oil (Color). Horizontal surfaces covered oil for terraces (Color).

With regard to the update of protective and decorative layer, it is also bound field and specific applications.

Evgeny Sereda

If we talk about facades (vertical surface) of the update period is about 5 years. The horizontal surface is recommended to update once in 2 years. But do not forget that this is all very much depends on the structure of the design features.

Thermomodified wood combines natural beauty and naturalness, with impressive performance and broad application.

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