Variation and Correlation of Heat-Treated Wood’s Crystalline Structure and Impact Toughness

This study aimed to investigate the changes in the fiber characteristics, relative crystallinity, and impact toughness of heat-treated Eucalyptus urophylla E. camaldulensis. Samples were treated in a superheated steam kiln at 160, 180, 200, and 220 C for 3 h. The crystallinity, lengthwidth ratio of fibers, and impact toughness of the heat-treated and untreated wood were determined. The cellulose crystalline regions experienced no obvious change. However, the length-width ratio and the relative crystallinity of the fibers increased as the temperature increased. Results indicated a clear inverse trend in the impact toughness and relative crystallinity. Finally, the results could provide a new method for non-destructive testing of wood.