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What is thermally modified wood?
Thermally Modified Wood: Innovation in Sustainability
Thermally modified wood, also known as Thermowood, is an innovative method to enhance wood durability without the use of chemicals. This technique, which has its roots in the 1930s, has been perfected by Finnish researchers and offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wood treatments.
For lovers of sustainable garden furniture, thermally modified wood provides an excellent combination of durability and aesthetics.
History and Development
The development of thermally modified wood has a rich history:
- 1930s: Initial research by German scientists Stamm and Hansen
- 1940s: Further studies by American scientist White
- 1950s: Bavendam, Runkel, and Buro continue the research
- 1990s: VTT (Finnish research center) perfects the Thermowood method
Today, the Thermowood method is regulated by the International Thermowood Association, ensuring consistent quality and standards.
The Thermowood Process
The Thermowood process consists of three main phases:
- Drying: Heating to 130°C to reduce moisture content to nearly zero.
- Thermal Modification: Heating to 180°C (Thermo-S) or 212°C (Thermo-D) for 2-3 hours.
- Cooling and Reconditioning: Controlled cooling and moisture regulation to 4-6% moisture content.
This process results in wood suitable for both indoor (Thermo-S) and outdoor applications (Thermo-D).
Benefits of Thermally Modified Wood
Thermally modified wood offers several advantages:
- Improved Stability: Less sensitive to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
- Increased Durability: More resistant to rot and mold due to the breakdown of hemicellulose.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Darker, rich color due to caramelization of glucose.
- Environmentally Friendly: No chemicals used in the process.
- Enhanced Insulation: Better thermal properties than untreated wood.
These properties make thermally modified wood particularly suitable for garden design and outdoor applications.
Applications and Maintenance
Thermally modified wood finds its way into various applications:
- Facade Cladding: A sustainable and aesthetically pleasing solution for exterior facades.
- Decking: Ideal for garden furniture and outdoor flooring.
- Saunas: Excellent moisture resistance makes it perfect for sauna interiors.
- Garden Furniture: A durable option for wooden garden chairs and tables.
Maintenance of thermally modified wood is minimal, but regular surface treatment can further extend its lifespan and prevent surface mold.
Technical Specifications
Depending on the type of wood, the density of thermally modified wood varies:
- Nova-Ash (Fraxinus excelsior): 595-629 kg/m³
- Nova-Pine (Pinus sylvestris): 362-404 kg/m³
- Nova-Iroko: 576-650 kg/m³
These values apply at 6% moisture content, 65% relative humidity, and 20°C ambient temperature.
Conclusion: Sustainable Innovation in Wood Processing
Thermally modified wood represents a significant step forward in sustainable wood processing. With a lifespan that is 80% longer than untreated wood in outdoor conditions, it offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemically treated wood.
Discover the possibilities of thermally modified wood in our collections:
Be inspired by the innovative properties of thermally modified wood and create sustainable, beautiful outdoor spaces that will last for generations.
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