• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.37-49
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• 1999

The effect of fire-retardant treatment and redrying on the mechanical properties of radiata pine sapwood were evaluated. Small, clear specimens were treated with three different fire-retardant(FR) chemicals, borax-boric acid(BRX), minalith(MIN), and pyresote(PYR), with target retentions of 30 and 60kg/$m^3$, and then redried at maximum dry-bulb temperature of $25^{\circ}C$, $60^{\circ}C$, $80^{\circ}C$ or $110^{\circ}C$. Each specimen, including untreated and water-treated controls, was tested in static bending and in compression parallel to grain. The extent of strength reduction was dependent on the type of FR chemicals, retention, and redrying temperature, and a highly significant interaction existed between FR treatment and redrying temperature. Modulus of rupture(MOR) and work to maximum load(WML) were significantly decreased by FR treatment and redrying. None of three FR chemicals adversely affect modulus of elasticity (MOE) and maximum crushing strength(MCS). MOE of BRX treatment and MCS of both BRX and PYR treatment increased significantly compared to untreated controls. No significant differences existed between retention levels except for MOE and MCS of some combinations of FR chemicals and redrying temperatures. Although MOE and MCS was not significantly affected by any of the redrying temperatures, these properties were generally decreased with the increase in redrying temperature. The significant reduction in MOR and WML was observed in BRX treatment when dried at temperatures of $60^{\circ}C$ and above, and in MIN and PYR treatment when dried at temperatures of $80^{\circ}C$ and above. Consequently, BRX-treated radiata pine should not be redried at temperatures >$60^{\circ}C$, and MIN- and PYR-treated radiata pine should not be redried at temperatures > $80^{\circ}C$ where bending strength and energy-related properties are important design considerations.