Title:
Effects of Hydrothermal Modification on the Mechanical Properties of Red Alder (Alnus Rubra) Native to the Pacific Northwest
Effects of Hydrothermal Modification on the Mechanical Properties of Red Alder (Alnus Rubra) Native to the Pacific Northwest
Author(s)
Muiruri, Kevin
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Abstract
Red alder (Alnus rubra) is a tree species native to the Pacific Northwest and is the most abundant hardwood in the region. Like other tree species native to this region, it is not well suited to exterior use due to poor weathering properties. This research attempts to address these shortcomings by hydrothermally modifying the wood. Hydrothermal modification is a form of wood treatment that uses heat and high-pressure steam to improve the quality of timber. The treatment results in wood that is more resistant to weathering and is less affected by water. The research compared hydrothermally modified Red alder to an untreated control group of the same wood. Previous studies on other species of timber show that a significant shortcoming of hydrothermal treatment is a drop in fracture resistance of the wood. This was similar to Red alder, which had a 38% reduction in its Modulus of Rupture. An analysis of the data using a paired T-test also revealed that the presence of knots in hydrothermally treated wood significantly impacts its mechanical performance. These results lead to a recommendation for using clear wood for hydrothermal modification. Hydrothermal treatment presents an opportunity to create sustainable wood products by increasing resistance to rot and insect damage of existing wood species.
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Date Issued
2025-03
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Text
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Proceedings
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