Effects of silver nanoparticles and fungal degradation on density and chemical composition of heat-treated poplar wood ( Populous euroamerica )

Effects of silver nanoparticles and fungal degradation on the weight loss and chemical composition of heat-treated poplar wood were studied. Wood blocks were impregnated with a 400 ppm nanosilver suspension under 3 bar pressure for 20 min using Lowry process (edited empty cell). Heat-treatment was carried out at 135, 160 and 185 °C. Specimens were divided into 4 groups; control, nanosilver impregnated, heat-treated and impregnated- heat treated specimens (135, 160 and 185 °C). All samples from the internal and superficial parts of the blocks were exposed to the white rot fungus Trametes versicolor. The results of heat-treated samples indicated higher amount of Klason lignin and extractives, but lower holocellulose and cellulose content. Furthermore, heat-treatment illustrated an increasing effect on the fungal resistance. For all the properties, significant difference was found between the internal and superficial test specimens. Nanosilver impregnation had an intensifying effect on the results of the heat-treatment.