Effect of Silane-siloxane Based Water-repellent Impregnant on the Dimensional Stability of Some Wood Species

Abstract

A silane-siloxane based water-repellent substance (S-WR) was used as an impregnation material for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold), sessile oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.), and cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich). In the impregnation process, the immersion method was carried out for various periods (30 min, 3 h, and 24 h). Following impregnation, physical properties of the wood (retention, contraction, expansion, water intake rate, specific gravity, etc.) were determined. The retention was highest in sessile oak wood (0.96%) and lowest in black pine wood (0.24%). The highest specific gravity value was found in stemless oak (0.86 g/cm³) impregnated for 24 h, and the lowest air-dry specific gravity value was found in Scots pine (0.40 g/cm³) impregnated for 30 minutes Absolutely dry (0% humidity) specific gravity was highest in sessile oak for 24 h (0.83 g/cm³). Shrinkage was highest in the sessile oak control sample (13.5%). The expansion amount was highest in the cedar wood control sample (17.5%) and lowest in sessile oak wood (1.66%). The highest water uptake rate (SAO) was determined in Scots pine wood at 96 h (105%), and the lowest in sessile oak wood in 24 h (8.80%). In summary, silane-siloxane based water-repellent impregnation material was found to be effective in providing dimensional stability in wood.