Publicação on-line; 30 ref.; 5 illus.; Summary (En)

ABSTRACT
The present study investigated the effect of heat treatment on the relative amount of cellulose
in untreated and nanosilver-impregnated poplar wood (Populus alba). The impacts on physical
and mechanical properties were further studied. Specimens were heated at 145°C and 165°C in
hot air medium. In order to enhance heat transfer to the inner parts of specimens, separate sets
of specimens were first impregnated with nanosilver suspension in a pressure vessel. Differential
scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses showed that due to high thermal resistance of cellulose,
the cellulose relative volume percent increased along with the increase in thermal temperature
and the consequent degradation of other wood polymers (hemicellulose and lignin). High
correlation was found between the cellulose relative volume percent versus different physical
and mechanical properties. Impregnation with nanosilver increased thermal conductivity in the
specimens resulting in an enhanced thermal degradation of hemicellulose and lignin, translated
into an increased cellulose relative volume.
Keywords: relative amount of cellulose, heat treatment, nanosilver impregnation,
Populus alba, thermal degradation.