Timber modification was a key topic presented at The American Hardwood Export Council’s (AHEC) European Convention last year.
Consultant Neil Summers of Timber Dimension highlighted work done to date to modify US hardwood species and the potential this had to further broaden their application. Since then there’s been growing interest in the field and AHEC is now assessing how different species vary in potential using different modification processes. Recently Accsys Technologies has introduced a US red alder version of Accoya and development trials of other species, not previously modified, will be under way soon.
It’s a moot point as to whether thermal treating can be classed alongside such modification processes as acetylation and furfurylation, but this too opens new potential for US species, said Mr Summers. He points to thermo-treated ash, produced by Brenstol of Estonia, making it suitable as a tropical timber alternative for decking and cladding.
