Effect of hygrothermal aging on color and hardness properties of heat treated chestnut wood

The aim of this study is to determine changing of color and hardness values of heat treated wood exposed to hygrothermal aging. For this purpose, chestnut woods (Castanea sativa Mill.) have been used. Heat treatment applications were applied in a temperature controlled small heating unit. Experimental samples were subjected to heat under atmospheric pressure and in the presence of inert (nitrogen) environment at three different temperatures (130°C, 180°C and 230 °C) and two different time levels (2 and 8 h). Then, heat treated samples have been exposed to hygrothermal aging conditions (in distillate water and 20oC heat) one month (thirty days). After the hygrothermal aging, changes in the color and hardness of the samples have been determined according to ASTM-D 2244-2 and ASTM-D 2240 standards. The results were compared with control samples in each group