Thermowood

Thermo-Wood ® is made in the process of wood modification under influence of high temperature and steam. As a result of this technology, the wood qualities change, becoming more resistant to water and biological factors. Thus created material becomes very stable and is not influenced in any way by the changeable environment humidity surrounding it. To put it simply, the process is a result of inert gas or water reacting in a high temperature of 170°C to 230°C. The modification process is utterly ecological and the gas by-products undergo combustion.


thermodrewno 1WATER RESISTANCE – DURABILITY

High temperature causes hemicellulose to dissolve to a great extent, which results in physical changes of the wood texture. Resins and extracts evaporate from wood to a large degree. This makes the thermally modified wood become permanently much less hygroscopic. Thanks to these properties, it is suitable for outdoor use, i.e. garden furniture, terraces, swimming pool decking, building elevation, window frames, doors, etc.

 

It is perfect for rooms with changeable humidity which is the case in all our houses during the heating period when humidity falls below 20%.  In such conditions, floors made from natural materials usually dry out. Floors made from thermo-wood do not undergo such changes. 

 

It is equally perfect for bathrooms, kitchens and saunas.


 

RESISTANCE TO BIOLOGICAL DEGRADATION

Decreasing the amount of cellulose as a result of thermal modification of the wood deprives fungi of nourishment, thanks to which wood becomes more immune to bacteria and fungi which increases immunity to decay. Thanks to this, the wood can be used in humid environments, such as e.g. bathrooms or for boat building.

 

ECOLOGY

The technology is based on an utterly environment friendly process. No chemical substances are used and the volatile products formed as a result of the process undergo combustion. Product formed by thermal modification is utterly environment friendly, there is no emission of harmful substances, there is no leaching and escape of toxic compounds into the soil as is the case with chemical wood impregnation.

 

Thermo-wood products are suitable for recycling and burning them does not introduce contaminants into the atmosphere and does not increase the greenhouse effect.

 

Wood created in this process can successfully replace exotic timber, which helps to protect tropical forests where wood is not always obtained in a forestry appropriate way.

 

COLOUR CHANGE

As a result of ongoing thermal modification, the color becomes darker. Change of color affects the whole tree section which is of great importance for working and use of the product.thermodrewno 2

 

It is possible to manage the process in order to obtain a desired tint and to obtain product strikingly similar to some kinds of exotic wood. Types such as poplar or aspen change utterly, and considering their physical properties, too, they become a very attractive affordable material.

 

 

MECHANICAL WORKING

Thermo-wood is worked with the same tools as used for normal wood. It can be easily sawn, whittled or polished. Sharp, good quality tools are required. Thermally modified wood is more prone to cracking which should be taken into consideration, and lower pressure of wood shaper rollers should be applied.

 

It is recommended to use screws rather than nails. In both cases, it is advisable to drill an opening prior to using a screw or a nail. Screws should have bigger heads than the ones used for ordinary wood. Hitting wood with a hammer while driving nails should be avoided.

thermodrewno 3

Due to low water content, the wood has a tendency to dust during polishing; it is recommended to use proper protection.

 

 GLUING

Thermally modified wood absorbs water more slowly which is why  in case of using water based glues, it is necessary to apply longer drying time (3 to 6 times longer). There is a whole range of synthetic glues from many producers which work perfectly well.

 

MAINTENANCE

It is recommended to maintain thermo-wood like any other wood. However, it does not require chemical impregnation. It can be varnished, stained, oiled or waxed. Under the influence of ultraviolet rays wood can fade or become gray. It is therefore recommended to use protective substances with pigments or UV filters.

 

Especially good results can be obtained when using oils and waxes accentuating the warm color and the grain of the wood.

 

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