Determining the degree of heat treatment of wood by light polarization technique

Thermal modification of wood enables the use of non-durable wood species in exterior applications, but quality control methods are required to monitor the product variability. This study tests the potential of a light polarization technique where visible light (400–500 nm) is directed through a linear polarizer to the surface of thermally modified wood to measure the reflectance. Besides an effect of the grain direction, the reflectance decreased with increasing temperature during the thermal modification process. The technique could be used for quality control, but further studies are required to understand its modes of action.