Definition: Wood carbonization (thermal modification) refers to the heat treatment of wood at high temperatures ranging from 180 to 250 °C.

Principle:? High – temperature degrades hemicellulose in wood. The generated organic acids speed up the degradation of hemicellulose and cellulose’s amorphous regions, reducing hygroscopic hydroxyl groups and increasing the crystalline region, thus enhancing dimensional stability. Degradation produces organic acids and phenolic compounds that inhibit decay – causing fungi, strengthening decay resistance. With fewer hygroscopic hydroxyl groups, the wood’s outdoor moisture content variation lessens. High – temperature treatment also creates photo – aging – resistant compounds, improving weather resistance. Difference from Surface Carbonization: It is not surface carbonization for decoration only, but uniform carbonization across the whole wood cross – section.