Effects of Bio-oil Obtained from Laurel (Laurus nobilis) Residues on Biological, Physical, and Mechanical Properties of Treated Wood

In this study, the effects of bio-oil obtained from Laurel (Laurus nobilis) residues on biological (decay, insect, termite resistance), physical (water absorption, tangential and radial swelling), and mechanical properties (MOE, MOR and CSPG) of treated wood samples were studied. The bio-oil used in this paper was produced by the help of fixed bed reactor type pyrolyzer. GC/MS analysis showed that the main constituents of bio-oils are furan compounds. The results indicated that the samples treated with bio-oil had lower water absorption and swelling rates than that of the control group. The lowest water absorption result (45%) for the bio-oils studied was obtained for the samples treated with 20% bio-oil after 48 h exposure in water. Decay resistance of treated wood samples with bio-oil against white rot (Trametes versicolor) and brown rot (Postia placenta, Gloephyllum trabeum, Coniophora puteana) fungi was carried out according to EN 113. Prior to decay test, samples were leached according to AWPA E11. Decay test results showed that treated samples had some efficiency against white and brown rot. In addition, bio- oil at the tested concentration did not give an adequate protection against insect and termite test. Strength test results show that treatment with bio-oil generally decreases mechanical properties of wood.