WO2022015148A1

WO2022015148A1 - Improved method for treating and/or decorating wood, based on heat treatment and carbonization, the wood obtained and uses thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2022015148A1
Application number: PCT/MX2021/050031
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rodolfo Geraldo MEJÍA SÁNCHEZ; Rodolfo Geraldo MEJÍA OJEDA
Original assignee: Mejia Sanchez Rodolfo Geraldo; Mejia Ojeda Rodolfo Geraldo
Priority date: 2020-07-13
Filing date: 2021-07-07
Publication date: 2022-01-20
Also published as: MX2020005592A

Abstract

The present invention relates to: an improved method for treating and/or decorating wood, based on heat treatment and carbonisation; the wood obtained; and the uses thereof, or any other wood-related product, such as tables, wooden flooring, posts, sticks, beams, veneers, strips, frames, etc., in particular for use in the construction industry, the production of decorative structural elements, furniture production, in the home, in the office, in the decoration of indoor and/or outdoor spaces, or wherever there is a need for strong stable decorated wood that does not have a tendency to swell or shrink under the effect of moisture and over time and which maintains its appearance for much longer once installed.

Description

AN IMPROVED PROCESS FOR TREATMENT AND/OR DECORATING WOOD BASED ON HEAT-TREATMENT AND CARBONIZATION, THE WOOD OBTAINED AND ITS

APPLICATIONS

field of invention

The present invention relates to an improved process for treating and/or decorating wood based on heat treatment and carbonization, the wood obtained and its uses, or any other product related to wood, such as boards, platforms, posts, poles, beams, plates, strips, frames, etc., in particular for use in the construction industry, in the manufacture of decorative construction elements, in the manufacture of furniture, in the home, in the office, in decoration of interior and/or exterior spaces, or in any place where stable and resistant decorated wood is required, which does not tend to swell or shrink due to the effect of humidity and over time, which preserves its appearance for much longer. once installed.

The objective of the present invention is to provide an improved process for treating and/or decorating wood based on heat treatment and carbonization, the wood thus obtained stable and resistant, which does not tend to swell or shrink due to the effect of humidity and over time, to retain its appearance for much longer once installed, for use in the construction industry, in the manufacture of decorative construction elements, in the manufacture of furniture, in the home, in the office, in the decoration of interior and/or exterior spaces, or in any place where stable and resistant wood is required.

Background of the invention

At present, various carbonization processes are known to decorate wood, or any other product related to wood, however the carbonized wood obtained by these various carbonization processes have a high moisture content and a high content of resins, gums, and volatile compounds which directly affects its characteristics of stability and durability, that is, the carbonized woods obtained from these processes have less dimensional stability because they tend to swell or shrink due to the effect of humidity and, over time, they have a shorter useful life because they are less resistant against to inclement weather, they do not present a uniform natural color and with many stains, greater weight, less biological resistance increasing the risk of putrefaction due to the microorganisms present, it does not retain its appearance once installed, so they resort to chemical treatments; and they only present a resistance on the carbonized surface of the wood, however, on the untreated surface they present the above mentioned problems, which represents a drawback for consumers who are looking for a carbonized decorated wood product that has improved characteristics of stability and durability, that is resistant to inclement weather, with a uniform natural color and without stains, light, that retains its appearance once installed, that does not resort to chemical treatments, and is low cost.

Due to this problem, consumers need an improved process to treat and/or decorate wood based on heat treatment and carbonization, where the wood thus obtained has a lower moisture content, better dimensional stability, longer life useful because it is more resistant to inclement weather, uniform natural color and more marked wood grain without stains, light weight, better biological resistance reducing the risk of putrefaction due to the elimination of microorganisms, elimination of resins, gums, volatile compounds and surface stains of the wood, and where the thermo-treated wood does not tend to swell or shrink due to the effect of humidity and over time, it retains its appearance for much longer once installed, low cost, without having to resort to chemical treatments.

The charring of wood is a Japanese technique called Yakisugi, this Japanese technique has been applied for centuries mainly in order to protect the wood from the elements. Outdoor wood faces biotic agents, such as fungi or insects, and abiotic agents such as the sun and the weather. Then it was necessary to apply a good protection to the wood to ensure its durability over time, and in the past, when there were no chemical products for this purpose, more rudimentary techniques were applied, such as burning the surface of the wood.

When wood is burned from the outside, the surface is charred and protected against biotic agents, which make it less palatable, and against abiotic agents, such as the sun, since its degrading effect is much less appreciated. Not only was this technique of burning wood applied in Japan, its application is also widespread in rural areas, the posts that are placed in the field to limit livestock or land, had a slightly carbonized surface, which increased its durability. , in areas such as Navarra in Spain.

For the application of this technique, many aspects must be taken into account, such as:

- The wood must be completely dry to avoid warping or twisting when burned.

- The existence of a special machine for it is not known, today it is applied with a torch.

- There is no record of species on which it is better to apply them or on which the finish is better; it is best to try on a table and see the results before applying the Yakisugi or burnt wood technique on larger surfaces.

- There are certain cuts of wood that better accept the application of this technique.

- It is very important to bear in mind that due to carbonization, the wood must be brushed and given some wax or oil to reduce the chances of staining before installation.

- It is not recommended to use in places such as bathrooms or showers, as it can stain.

- The lighter or blacker tone of the wood depends on the application time of the torch on the wood, the more charred the blacker it will be.

Patent document US 1,566,985 describes a wood treatment process that consists of coating its surface with a solution that protects the softer parts of the wood from carbonization to a greater degree than the harder portions, then applying heat to the coated surface, resulting in the harder portions to a greater extent than softer portions, then rubbing the surface to remove surface char from the softer portions and leaving the harder portions charred. However, this wood treatment process is different from the improved process for treating and/or decorating wood based on heat treatment and carbonization of the present invention, because its steps and operating conditions are different, as well as its functionality, that is, in This document does not describe or suggest the use of a heat treatment stage and a carbonization stage to treat and/or decorate wood, where the wood thus obtained has a lower moisture content, better dimensional stability, longer useful life because it is more resistant to inclement weather, uniform natural color and wood grain more marked without stains, light weight, better biological resistance reducing the risk of putrefaction due to the elimination of microorganisms, elimination of resins, gums, volatile compounds and surface stains on the wood, where heat-treated wood does not tend to swell or shrink due to the effect of humidity and over time, which retains its appearance for much longer once installed, low cost, without having to resort to chemical treatments, therefore it does not affect the novelty or the inventive step of the present invention.

US Patent 4,181,763 A describes a non-chemical mechanical process for woodworking that applies a high temperature flame to the surface of a variety of woods for short periods of time. Processed pieces of wood in different shapes can be coated and are useful as decorative items and home furnishings. However, this non-chemical mechanical process for antique wood is different from the improved process for treating and/or decorating wood based on heat treatment and carbonization of the present invention, because its steps and operating conditions are different, as well as its functionality. In other words, this document does not describe or suggest the use of a heat treatment stage and a carbonization stage to treat and/or decorate the wood, where the wood thus obtained has a lower moisture content, better dimensional stability, longer useful life because it is more resistant to inclement weather, uniform natural color and more marked wood grain without stains, light weight, better biological resistance reducing the risk of putrefaction due to the elimination of microorganisms, elimination of resins, gums, volatile compounds and surface stains on wood, where heat-treated wood does not tend to swell or shrink due to the effect of humidity and over time, which retains its appearance for much longer once installed, low cost, without having to resort to chemical treatments, therefore does not affect the novelty or inventive step of the present invention.

Patent document JPH09295305 (abstract) describes a process for providing a pseudo-burnt wood decorative material that is lightly burned to make a grain pattern on the surface for a natural wood feel. For which a steel plate-shaped grain mold 2 is placed on the pseudo-wood surface 1 containing wood powder, then, since only the strip-shaped hole parts of the plate 2 are roasted to fire, when the plate is removed, a burnt grain pattern is obtained, by the above process, a natural wood feeling can be obtained. However, this process for providing a burnt pseudo-wood decorative material is different from the improved process for treating and/or decorating wood based on heat treatment and carbonization of the present invention, because its steps and operating conditions are different as well as its functionality, that is, in this document it does not describe or suggest the use of a heat treatment stage and a carbonization stage to treat and/or decorate the wood, where the wood thus obtained has a lower moisture content, a better dimensional stability, longer useful life because it is more resistant to inclement weather, uniform natural coloring and more marked wood grain without stains, light weight, better biological resistance reducing the risk of putrefaction due to the elimination of microorganisms, elimination of resins, gums, volatile compounds and surface stains on wood, where heat-treated wood does not t It tends to swell or shrink due to the effect of moisture and over time, it retains its appearance for much longer once installed, low cost, without having to resort to chemical treatments, therefore it does not affect novelty or the inventive step of the present invention.

Patent document KR20090103433 (abstract) describes a table finish for building with a steric texture of wood and a method of manufacturing the same to express the natural steric texture of wood and ensure beauty effects. A method for manufacturing a sterically textured construction finishing board of wood comprises: a step of burning the surface of the prepared wood (S102); a step for removing a burned part and forming a lower flame (S104); a step of placing the wood at the bottom of the molding frame (S106); a step of applying the peeler to the lower frame surface (S108); a step of filling a cement pool in the molding frame with a first thickness (S110); and a step of filling a mortar into the molding frame with a second thickness (S112). However, this wood steric texture construction finishing board and the method of manufacturing the same to express the natural steric texture of wood and ensure beauty effects is different from the improved process for treating and/or decorating wood based on heat treatment and carbonization of the present invention, because its steps and operating conditions are different as well as its functionality, that is, in this document it does not describe or suggest the use of a heat treatment stage and a carbonization stage to treat and /or decorate the wood, where the wood thus obtained has a lower moisture content, better dimensional stability, longer useful life because it is more resistant to inclement weather, uniform natural coloring and a more marked wood grain without stains, light weight, better biological resistance reducing the risk of putrefaction due to the elimination of microorganisms, elimination of resins, l As gums, volatile compounds and surface stains on wood, where heat-treated wood does not tend to swell or shrink due to the effect of moisture and over time, it retains its appearance for much longer once installed, low cost, without having to resort to chemical treatments, therefore it does not affect the novelty or the inventive step of the present invention. Patent document CN1647947 (abstract) describes a method of burning the surface of a wooden curtain sheet to form a pattern. A semi-heat transfer layer is first spread on a wooden curtain sheet, the semi-heat transfer layer is sprayed with flame, and the semi-heat transfer layer is finally removed to obtain a curtain sheet. wood with a burnt pattern on the surface. Due to the semi-heat transfer layer, the wood sheet is partially charred to form an unburnt pattern. However, this method of burning the surface of a wooden curtain sheet to form a pattern is different from the improved process for treating and/or decorating wood based on heat treating and carbonization of the present invention, because its steps and operating conditions are different as well as its functionality, that is, in this document it does not describe or suggest the use of a heat treatment stage and a carbonization stage to treat and/or decorate the wood, where the wood thus obtained has a lower moisture content, better dimensional stability, longer shelf life because it is more resistant to inclement weather, uniform natural coloring and stronger wood grain without staining, light weight, better biological resistance reducing the risk of rot due to removal microorganisms, removal of resins, gums, volatile compounds and surface stains from wood, where wood thermo-treated does not tend to swell or shrink due to the effect of humidity and over time, it retains its appearance for much longer once installed, low cost, without having to resort to chemical treatments, therefore it does not affect novelty or inventive step of the present invention.

The present invention solves all the aforementioned problems and drawbacks by providing an improved process for treating and/or decorating wood comprising: a) Selection of wood; b) Heat treated wood selected; c) Conditioning of thermo-treated wood; d) Carbonization of heat-treated wood; e) Cooling and hydration of carbonized thermo-treated wood; and f) Finishing of carbonized thermo-treated wood.

None of the aforementioned documents explicitly or implicitly describes or suggests the use of heat-treated wood, which improves the stability and durability of the wood during the carbonization process, that is, heat-treated wood has a lower carbon content. humidity, better dimensional stability, longer useful life because it is more resistant to inclement weather, uniform natural coloring and more marked wood grain without stains, light weight, better biological resistance reducing the risk of putrefaction due to the elimination of microorganisms , removal of resins, gums, volatile compounds and surface stains from wood; thermo-treated wood does not tend to swell or shrink due to the effect of humidity and over time, it retains its appearance for much longer once installed without having to resort to chemical treatments, achieving a totally ecological wood product that improves the stability and durability of the wood during the carbonization process, therefore, does not affect the novelty or the inventive activity of the present invention, because all its steps and operating conditions are different, as well as its functionality.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Without being bound by theory, the inventors have surprisingly found that heat treating wood allows to improve the stability and durability of wood during the carbonization process, that is, heat treated wood has lower moisture content, better stability dimensional, longer useful life because it is more resistant to inclement weather, uniform natural color and more marked wood grain without stains, light weight, better biological resistance reducing the risk of putrefaction due to the elimination of microorganisms, elimination of resins , gums, volatile compounds and surface stains on wood; thermo-treated wood does not tend to swell or shrink due to the effect of humidity and over time, it retains its appearance for much longer once installed, which is why they consider it to be a low-cost technique without having to resort to treatments chemicals, achieving a totally ecological wood product that improves the stability and durability of the wood during the carbonization process. The wood is selected from lumber-producing trees that are useful in the production of wood products, such as red or white oak, pine, maritime pine, beech, poplar, or any of the many species of lumber-producing trees. The selected wood is cut in the sawmill into logs, boards, pallets, poles, sticks, beams, plates, strips, frames, etc., according to the use that is required.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, the improved process for treating and/or decorating wood comprises: a) Selection of wood; b) Thermo-treated selected wood; c) Conditioning of thermo-treated wood; optionally d) Carbonization of heat-treated wood; e) Cooling and hydration of carbonized thermo-treated wood; and f) Finishing of carbonized thermo-treated wood.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the improved process for treating and/or decorating wood comprises: a) Selection of wood; b) Thermo-treated selected wood; c) Conditioning of thermo-treated wood; d) Carbonization of heat-treated wood; e) Cooling and hydration of carbonized thermo-treated wood; and f) Finishing of carbonized thermo-treated wood.

In a third embodiment of the present invention, the wood is selects from wood-producing trees that are useful in the production of wood products, such as red or white oak, pine, maritime pine, beech, poplar, or any of the many species of wood-producing trees, including bamboo .

In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the selected wood is introduced into an airtight chamber provided with heating means, such as heat exchangers (water, oil), electrical resistors, natural gas and/or LP burners; air extraction means, such as exhaust fans, vacuum pumps, etc.; and water vapor supply means, such as fans, pressurized fluid pumps, etc., the hermetic chamber is also provided with a thermal insulation coating to prevent heat loss, water vapor inlet and outlet pipes, valves and thermometer.

In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the improved process for treating and/or decorating wood comprises: a) Selection of wood; b) Thermo-treated selected wood, the selected wood is introduced into an airtight chamber provided with heating means, air extraction means, and water vapor supply means in the following sequence: i) Extraction of the air it contains oxygen from the hermetic chamber by means of air extraction means, to remove all or most of the oxygen from the hermetic chamber, to avoid oxidation of the wood cellulose during heat treatment; ii) Drying of the selected wood, applying heat up to a temperature of between 130°C and 250°C, for between 12 and 160 hours to remove excess moisture, resins, gums, volatile compounds, microorganisms, and surface stains; iii) Stabilization of the dried wood, apply steam through the steam supply means to the already dried wood for a time between 1 to 6 hours to stabilize the wood during the carbonization process, preventing it from burning. contracts due to loss of moisture by developing internal stresses which are released by the formation of cracks, cracks, twists or bends, and also improves the durability of the wood during the carbonization process; iv) Cooling of the stabilized wood, let the stabilized wood cool down to room temperature, and once cold, remove it from the hermetic chamber; c) Conditioning of the thermo-treated wood, the thermo-treated wood is cut, planed, edged, tongue-and-groove and polished to the measurements and texture required for its use; d) Carbonization of the thermo-treated wood, the thermo-treated wood is introduced into an oven provided with burning media, where the burning media burns the surface of the thermo-treated wood by means of fire at a temperature between 260°C up to 550°C for between 2 and 12 hours, until between 2 and 9 millimeters thick of the surface of the heat-treated wood has carbonized; e) Cooling, hydration and stabilization of the carbonized heat-treated wood, then take out the hot carbonized heat-treated wood from the oven, and spray water on the carbonized heat-treated wood to cool, hydrate and stabilize it by closing the pore formed during carbonization, avoiding that contracts due to the loss of humidity when developing internal stresses which are released by the formation of cracks, cracks, twists or bends, and generate a better carbonized finish on the surface of the wood; and f) Final finish of the carbonized heat-treated wood, applying at least one or more finishing agents to the surface of the carbonized heat-treated wood for its coating and final finish.

In a sixth embodiment of the present invention, the oven is provided with burning means selected from at least one or more natural gas and/or LP burners, the oven is also provided with a thermal insulation coating to prevent heat loss and thermometer.

In a seventh embodiment of the present invention, the heat-treated wood obtained in stage a) to stage e), can be used without applying the charring stage d) and stage e), because the heat-treated wood has a lower carbon content. humidity, better dimensional stability, longer useful life because it is more resistant to inclement weather, uniform natural coloring and more marked wood grain without stains, light weight, better biological resistance reducing the risk of rot due to the elimination of microorganisms, removal of resins, gums, volatile compounds and surface stains from wood; and because thermo-treated wood does not tend to swell or shrink due to the effect of humidity and over time, it retains its appearance for much longer once installed.

In an eighth embodiment of the present invention, the finishing agents for its coating and final finish are selected from linseed oil, coating polymers, such as polyurethane, etc., varnishes, lacquers, paints, etc., in an amount enough to obtain a matte, semi-matte and high gloss finish, according to your requirement. In a ninth embodiment of the present invention, the heat-treated wood can be charred on one of its surfaces (upper or lower), on part of its surfaces (upper and/or lower) and/or on both surfaces (upper and lower) according to the aesthetic effect of decoration that is required, in addition to increasing its stability and durability.

In a tenth embodiment of the present invention, the heat-treated wood and/or carbonized heat-treated wood can be used in:

- Facade coatings.

- Platforms for exteriors, roofs.

- Street furniture, road safety.

- Docks and swimming pool environments.

- Windows, shutters and exterior doors.

- Garden elements, poles, panels and closure of farms.

- Terraces, exterior stairs and viewpoints.

- Structures for playgrounds.

- It is ideal because, while the natural tendency of conventional wood in different humidity conditions is to swell or shrink, heat-treated wood and/or carbonized heat-treated wood offer much greater stability, keeping it looking like new for a long time more time.

- Interiors, its soft brown tones, which are identified with noble wood, the absence of chemical treatments and its hygienic quality, make thermo-treated wood a material that brings warmth to interiors and great visual appeal. In addition, its velvety surface makes it very pleasant to the touch.

- Bathrooms and saunas, - Parquet and floors.

- Furniture and cabinets,

- Panels.

examples

The following examples are intended to illustrate the invention not to limit it, any variations thereof are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Example 1

A thermo-treated wood is manufactured by means of the improved process for treating and/or decorating the wood of the present invention, which comprises: a) Selection of the wood; b) Thermo-treated selected wood, the selected wood is introduced into an airtight chamber provided with heating means, air extraction means, and water vapor supply means in the following sequence: i) Extraction of the air it contains oxygen from the airtight chamber by means of air extraction means, to remove all or most of the oxygen from the airtight chamber, to prevent oxidation of the wood cellulose during heat treatment; ii) Drying of the selected wood, applying heat up to a temperature between 130°C and 250°C, for a time between 12 and 160 hours to eliminate excess moisture, resins, gums, volatile compounds, microorganisms and surface stains; iii) Stabilization of the dried wood, apply steam through the steam supply means to the already dried wood for a time between 1 to 6 hours to stabilize the wood during the carbonization process, preventing it from contracting due to moisture loss by developing internal stresses which are released by the formation of cracks, cracks, twists or bends, and also improves the durability of the wood during the carbonization process; iv) Cooling of the stabilized wood, let the stabilized wood cool down to room temperature, and once cold, remove it from the hermetic chamber; and c) Conditioning of the heat-treated wood, the heat-treated wood is cut, planed, edged, tongue-and-groove and polished to the measurements and texture required for its use.

The heat-treated wood obtained can be used without carbonization treatment, because it is very stable, or it can be carbonized to increase its stability, durability and aesthetics, depending on the use that is required.

Example 2

A carbonized heat-treated wood is manufactured by means of the improved process for treating and/or decorating the wood of the present invention, which comprises: a) Selection of the wood; b) Thermo-treated selected wood, the selected wood is introduced into an airtight chamber provided with heating means, air extraction means, and water vapor supply means in the following sequence: i) Extraction of the air it contains oxygen from the airtight chamber by means of air extraction means, to remove all or most of the oxygen from the airtight chamber, to prevent oxidation of the wood cellulose during heat treatment; ii) Drying of the selected wood, applying heat up to a temperature between 130°C and 250°C, for a time between 12 and 160 hours to eliminate excess moisture, resins, gums, volatile compounds, microorganisms and surface stains;

Ni) Stabilization of dried wood, apply water vapor through the water vapor supply means to the already dried wood for a time between 1 to 6 hours to stabilize the wood during the carbonization process, preventing it from burning. contracts due to loss of moisture by developing internal stresses which are released by the formation of cracks, cracks, twists or bends, and also improves the durability of the wood during the carbonization process; iv) Cooling of the stabilized wood, let the stabilized wood cool down to room temperature, and once cold, remove it from the hermetic chamber; c) Conditioning of the thermo-treated wood, the thermo-treated wood is cut, planed, edged, tongue-and-groove and polished to the measurements and texture required for its use; d) Carbonization of the thermo-treated wood, the thermo-treated wood is introduced into an oven provided with burning media, where the burning media burns the surface of the thermo-treated wood by means of fire at a temperature between 260°C up to 550°C for between 2 and 12 hours, until between 2 and 9 millimeters thick of the surface of the heat-treated wood has carbonized; e) Cooling, hydration and stabilization of the carbonized heat-treated wood, then take out the hot carbonized heat-treated wood from the oven, and spray water on the carbonized heat-treated wood to cool, hydrate and stabilize it by closing the pore formed during carbonization, avoiding to contract due to loss of moisture by developing internal stresses which are released by the formation of cracks, cracks, twists or bends, and generate a better carbonized finish on the surface of the wood; and f) Final finish of the carbonized heat-treated wood, applying at least one or more finishing agents to the surface of the carbonized heat-treated wood for its coating and final finish.

The carbonized thermo-treated wood obtained is very stable and can be used according to the use that is required.

Heat-treated wood can also be carbonized on one of its surfaces (upper or lower), on part of its surfaces (upper and/or lower) and/or on both surfaces (upper and lower) depending on the aesthetic effect of decoration to be achieved. required, in addition to increasing its stability and durability.

Example 3

A carbonized thermo-treated wood is manufactured by means of the improved process of the present invention, which comprises: a) Selection of the wood; b) Thermo-treated selected wood, the selected wood is introduced into an airtight chamber provided with heating means, air extraction means, and water vapor supply means in the following sequence: i) Extraction of the air it contains oxygen from the hermetic chamber by means of air extraction means, to remove all or most of the oxygen from the hermetic chamber, to avoid oxidation of the wood cellulose during heat treatment; ii) Drying of the selected wood, applying heat up to a temperature between 130°C and 250°C, for a time between 12 and 160 hours to eliminate the excess moisture, resins, gums, volatile compounds, microorganisms and surface stains;

Ni) Stabilization of dried wood, apply water vapor through the water vapor supply means to the already dried wood for a time between 1 to 6 hours to stabilize the wood during the carbonization process, preventing it from burning. contracts due to loss of moisture by developing internal stresses which are released by the formation of cracks, cracks, twists or bends, and also improves the durability of the wood during the carbonization process; iv) Cooling of the stabilized wood, let the stabilized wood cool down to room temperature, and once cold, remove it from the hermetic chamber; c) Conditioning of the thermo-treated wood, the thermo-treated wood is cut, planed, edged, tongue-and-groove and polished to the measurements and texture required for its use; d) Carbonization of heat-treated wood, the heat-treated wood is placed in an oven 1 meter long x 80 centimeters wide x 60 centimeters high, made of high-fire resistant refractory partitions, covered with mud inside and on the outside with a layer of insulating fiber and stainless steel sheet, inside the oven at least 4 flute-type LP gas burners are installed that burn the wood by means of fire at a temperature between 260 ° C up to 550 ° C, preferably between 280 ° C to 500 ° C for a time of between 2 to 12 hours, preferably for a time of between 2 to 6 hours until between 2 and 9 millimeters thick of the surface has been charred. thermo-treated wood, preferably 2 to 9 millimeters; e) Cooling, hydration and stabilization of the carbonized heat-treated wood, then taking the hot carbonized heat-treated wood out of the oven, and spraying water on the carbonized heat-treated wood to cool, hydrate and stabilize it by closing the pore formed during carbonization, preventing it from contracting due to loss of moisture by developing internal stresses which are released by the formation of cracks, cracks, twists or bends, and generate a better carbonized finish on the surface of the wood; and f) Final finish of the carbonized heat-treated wood, applying at least one or more finishing agents to the surface of the carbonized heat-treated wood for its coating and final finish.

Example 4

Evaluation of the durability of the thermo-treated wood of the present invention vs conventional untreated wood.

The natural durability of a wood species is defined as its intrinsic resistance to attack by microorganisms such as fungi. The test is carried out according to the EN 350 standard and defines the durability classes as shown in tables 1 and 2 below, and allows to classify, through a laboratory test, the durability of heat-treated (thermo-treated) wood for its subsequent carbonization, therefore, obtaining the obtained class improvement.

Durability tests were carried out by Uppsala University in Sweden. Table 1

Table 2

^*** The heat treatment of the wood is carried out according to the heat treatment process of examples 1, 2 and 3, but the following heat treatment temperatures are selected: 185°C, 200°C, 215°C optimized and 215°C.

^*** Wood for heat treatment is selected from various types of wood.

^*** Some types of wood have a durability range between two classes, this happens because the natural durability is calculated based on different species of fungi for which a different durability class is detected. Obviously, this is also reflected in the data obtained for heat-treated wood, which makes the improvement variable according to the type of fungus considered. ^*** The thermo-treated wood obtained is ready for subsequent carbonization, which increases its durability class, however it can be used without carbonization.

Conclusions i) The class No. of wood without treatment (heat treated) is 5-4, not durable or not very durable, this is due to the presence of microorganisms that increase the putrefaction of wood, humidity, resins , gums and volatile compounds. ii) It is observed that the wood with treatment (heat treated) at temperatures between 185, 200 and 215 °C, the class No. is improved, the higher the temperature the better the class No., this is due to the fact that the presence of microorganisms that increases the putrefaction of wood, humidity, resins, gums and volatile compounds, etc. iii) Thermally treated (thermo-treated) wood can be used for subsequent carbonization, therefore, increased durability is obtained, that is, they are more durable due to the carbon layer on their surface. iv) Thermally treated wood (thermo-treated) in addition to improving the class No., has a lower moisture content, better dimensional stability, longer useful life because it is more resistant to inclement weather, uniform natural color and grain of the most marked wood without stains, light weight, better biological resistance reducing the risk of putrefaction due to the elimination of microorganisms, elimination of resins, gums, volatile compounds and surface stains on the wood; and because thermo-treated wood does not tend to swell or shrink due to the effect of humidity and over time, it retains its appearance for much longer once installed. Example 5

Evaluation of the physicochemical properties of the thermo-treated wood of the present invention vs conventional untreated wood.

Table 3 below shows the evaluation of the physicochemical properties of the thermo-treated wood of the present invention vs. conventional untreated wood, and its advantages.

Table 3

^*** 0 refers to the reference.

^*** The heat treatment of the wood is carried out according to the heat treatment process of examples 1, 2 and 3, but the following heat treatment temperatures of 185°C and 215°C are selected.

^*** The wood is selected from various types of wood.

^*** 1. Treatment temperature (°C): It is the treatment temperature of the wood, at 185°C and 215°C, and without treatment (ST) when no treatment temperature is applied. 2 Density (kg/m ³ ): It is defined as the relationship between mass (kg) and volume (m ³ ), each material has a different density, the variation of this parameter indicates an internal structural modification of the thermally treated wood.

^*** 3. Mass loss (%): It is measured as a percentage of weight loss, it is given by the loss of wood extracts in the form of solid, liquid and gaseous emissions. The sign of the value is negative, since it is a mass subtraction, it increases with the increase in treatment temperature.

^*** 4. MEE (%) Hygroscopic Efficiency: Moisture Exclusion Efficiency, the percentage value indicates the increase in the hygrorepellency of the heat-treated samples, that is, their ability not to recover moisture once exposed to air humidity (65%) after treatment, compared to untreated material. The value increases as the treatment temperature increases, the higher the value, the better the hygroscopic efficiency.

^*** 5. ASEV (%) Anti-swelling Efficiency: Anti-Swelling Efficiency, the percentage value indicates the capacity of the treated wood not to suffer dimensional changes (swelling) after exposure to air humidity (65%) , compared to the untreated, the efficiency increases with the increase in treatment temperature. The higher the value, the less dimensional variations will occur in the material.

^*** 6. Moisture content (5): Indicates the percentage content of water within the treated wood, the amount of water decreases as the temperature of the treatment increases.

^*** 7. Compression resistance (Moa): Indicates the rupture load (measured in MPa) of the sample subjected to compression until it reaches rupture. It decreases as the humidity increases, but varies according to the treatment temperature, in general, however, it increases with respect to the untreated material, the higher the value and the higher the resistance.

^*** 8. Shear strength (Moa): Indicates the breaking load (measured in MPa) of the sample that occurs in the direction parallel to the sliding planes, that is, parallel to the grain (tangential shear). The measured value tends to decrease with respect to the untreated ones, but with less relevance in conifers than in broadleaves.

^*** 9. Flexural strength (Moa): indicates the ability of the wood to resume its original shape at the end of the application of a force that tends to bend it, is measured in MPa. The measured value decreases as the treatment temperature increases, at higher temperatures heat-treated wood tends to preserve the shape that is printed to a greater extent than untreated wood.

^*** 10. Modulus of Elasticity (Moa): expresses the relationship between stress and strain, that is, it describes the relationship between the applied stress and the resulting strain. It is greatly influenced by humidity and density. The values obtained vary according to the treatment temperatures, but they are always higher than the untreated ones. Therefore, a higher force will be necessary to obtain a deformation of the heat-treated wood. The higher the value (measured in MPa), the greater the force to be impressed.

^*** 11. Hardness: indicates the plastic deformability of a material and is defined as resistance to permanent deformation. It is measured using the Brinell method which consists of applying a known force to a penetrator and measuring the width of the impression left on the material. The higher the hardness and the smaller the footprint. The measured trend is variable even if, in general, the hardness decreases as the treatment temperature increases. The lower the hardness of the untreated material, the smaller the decrease after treatment.

Conclusions i) It is observed that the density of the wood (kg/m ³ ) decreases with the increase in the temperature of the heat-treated (thermal) treatment, the variation of this parameter indicates an internal structural modification of the heat-treated wood. ii) It is observed that the mass loss (%), increases with the increase in the temperature of the heat treatment (thermal) treatment, measured as a percentage of weight loss, is given by the loss of wood extracts in the form of solid, liquid waste and gaseous emissions, the sign of the value is negative, since it is a mass subtraction, which increases with the increase in treatment temperature. iii) It is observed that the MEE (%) Hygroscopic efficiency, the percentage value indicates the increase in the hygrorepellency of the wood samples treated with the temperature of the heat-treated (thermal) treatment, that is, its ability not to recover moisture once exposed to air humidity (65%) after treatment, compared to untreated material, the value increases as the treatment temperature increases, the higher the value, the better the hygroscopic efficiency. iv) It is observed that the ASEV (%) Anti-swelling efficiency, the percentage value indicates the capacity of the wood treated with the temperature of the heat treatment (thermal) of not undergoing dimensional changes (swelling) after exposure to the air humidity (65%), compared to untreated, the efficiency increases with the increase in treatment temperature, the higher the value, the less dimensional variations will occur in the wood material. v) It is observed that the moisture content indicates the percentage content of water within the treated wood with the temperature of the heat treatment (thermal) treatment, the amount of water decreases as the treatment temperature increases. vi) It is observed that the compressive strength (Mpa), indicates the rupture load (measured in MPa) of the wood sample subjected to compression until it reaches rupture, decreases as humidity increases, but varies according to the temperature of the heat treated (thermal) treatment, in general, however, increases with respect to the untreated material, the higher the value and the higher the resistance. vii) It is observed that the shear strength (Mpa) indicates the breaking load (measured in MPa) of the wood sample occurring in the direction parallel to the sliding planes, i.e. parallel to the grain (tangential shear), the measured value tends to decrease with the temperature of the heat treated (thermal) treatment, with respect to the untreated ones but with less relevance in conifers than in broadleaves. viii) It is observed that the resistance to bending (Mpa) indicates the ability of the wood to resume its original shape at the end of the application of a force that tends to bend it, it is measured in MPa, the measured value decreases as heat treated (heat) treatment temperature increases, at higher temperatures heat treated wood tends to preserve the shape that is printed to a greater extent than untreated wood. ix) It is observed that the modulus of elasticity (Mpa) expresses the relationship between stress and deformation, that is, it describes the relationship between the applied stress and the resulting deformation, it is highly influenced by humidity and density, the values obtained vary according to the temperatures of heat-treated (thermal) treatment, but they are always higher than the untreated ones, therefore, a greater force will be necessary to obtain a deformation of the heat-treated wood. The higher the value (measured in MPa), the greater the force to be impressed. x) It is observed that the hardness indicates the plastic deformability of a material and is defined as resistance to permanent deformation, it is measured with the Brinell method that consists of applying a known force to a penetrator and measuring the width of the impression that remains in the material, the higher the hardness and the smaller the footprint, the measured trend is variable even if, in general, the hardness decreases as the heat treatment (heat) temperature increases, the lower the hardness of the material untreated, the smaller the decrease after treatment. xi) Thermally treated wood (thermo-treated) can be used for subsequent carbonization, therefore, better physicochemical properties are obtained. due to the carbon layer on its surface.

Example 6

Evaluation of the color of the thermo-treated wood of the present invention vs. conventional untreated wood.

Colorimetry is a discipline that deals with detecting color variations, this example shows the variations in clarity of thermally treated material (heat treated) compared to untreated material. With values of AL*=0 there would be no change in lightness, reference 0 is, in fact, the color of untreated wood, with AL*>0 there is an increase in lightness, while with AL* <0 then negative, we have that the material darkens, as in the case under consideration. The values of AL* are shown in figures 1 and 2. Being a differential value, we have that the highest value will not belong to the darkest colored wood, but it is indicated that this will have had the greatest variation.

In thermally treated wood (thermo-treated) it is observed that it has a uniform natural color and a more marked wood grain without stains, resins, gums, volatile compounds, surface stains of the wood are eliminated and it preserves its appearance during much longer once installed and can be used for subsequent carbonization.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows the Maritime Pine (PM) wood without heat treatment (ST) with a value of AL ^* =0, with heat treatment at 160°C with a value of AL*=-16.54, at 185°C with a value of value of AL*=-25.43, at 200°C with a value of AL*=-28.33, and at 215°C with a value of AL ^* =-36.61, where increased heat treatment of the Maritime Pine (PM) material is darkens. Figure 2 shows Pine wood (PS) without heat treatment (ST) with a value of AL*=0, with heat treatment at 160°C with a value of AL*=- 15.17, at 185°C with a value of of AL*=-19.45, at 200°C with a value of AL*=-26.28, and at 215°C with a value of AL ^* =-28.87, where increased heat treatment the Pine (PS) material darkens.

Figure 3 shows a view of a charred top surface of a heat treated and charred wood of the present invention, showing beta char characteristics of the wood.

Figure 4 shows a view of a lower surface of a heat treated and carbonized wood of the present invention, showing characteristics of the uncarbonized lower beta of the wood.

Figure 5 shows a front view of a wood with thermal treatment and carbonization of the present invention, where a carbonized upper surface (1) indicated by the dates and a non-carbonized lower surface (2) of the wood are observed, and in where the carbonized upper surface (1) has a smaller thickness with respect to the total thickness of the wood.

Figure 6 shows a side view of a wood with thermal treatment and carbonization of the present invention, where a carbonized upper surface (1) and a non-carbonized lower lateral surface (2) of the wood are observed, and where the surface charred top (1) covers at least one side of the uncharred wood (2).

Claims

1. An improved process to treat and/or decorate wood characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) Selection of wood; b) Thermo-treated selected wood, the selected wood is introduced into an airtight chamber provided with heating means, air extraction means, and water vapor supply means in the following sequence: i) Extraction of the air it contains oxygen from the hermetic chamber by means of air extraction means, to remove all or most of the oxygen from the hermetic chamber, to avoid oxidation of the wood cellulose during heat treatment; ii) Drying of the selected wood, applying heat up to a temperature between 130°C and 250°C, for a time between 12 and 160 hours to eliminate excess moisture, resins, gums, volatile compounds, microorganisms and surface stains; iii) Stabilization of the dried wood, apply steam through the steam supply means to the already dried wood for a time between 1 to 6 hours to stabilize the wood during the carbonization process, preventing it from burning. contracts due to loss of moisture by developing internal stresses which are released by the formation of cracks, cracks, twists or bends, and also improves the durability of the wood during the carbonization process; iv) Cooling of the stabilized wood, let the stabilized wood cool down to room temperature, and once cold, remove it from the hermetic chamber; c) Conditioning of thermo-treated wood, thermo-treated wood treated is cut, planed, edged, tongue-and-groove and polished to the measurements and texture required for its use; d) Carbonization of the thermo-treated wood, the thermo-treated wood is introduced into an oven provided with burning media, where the burning media burns the surface of the thermo-treated wood by means of fire at a temperature between 260°C up to 550°C for between 2 and 12 hours, until between 2 and 9 millimeters thick of the surface of the heat-treated wood has carbonized; e) Cooling, hydration and stabilization of the carbonized heat-treated wood, then take out the hot carbonized heat-treated wood from the oven, and spray water on the carbonized heat-treated wood to cool, hydrate and stabilize it by closing the pore formed during carbonization, avoiding that it contracts due to the loss of moisture by developing internal stresses which are released by the formation of cracks, cracks, twists or bends, and generate a better charred finish on the surface of the wood; and f) Final finish of the carbonized heat-treated wood, applying at least one or more finishing agents to the surface of the carbonized heat-treated wood for its coating and final finish.

2. The process according to claim 1, characterized in that the wood is selected from trees that produce wood that are useful in the production of wood products, such as red or white oak, pine, maritime pine, beech, poplar, and /or any of the species of trees that produce wood, including bamboo.

3. The process according to claim 1, characterized in that the hermetic chamber is provided with heating means such as heat exchangers (water, oil), electrical resistors, natural gas and/or LP burners; means of extracting air such as extractor fans, bomb of void; and water vapor supply means, such as fans, pressurized fluid pumps, where the hermetic chamber is also provided with a thermal insulation coating to prevent heat loss, water vapor inlet and outlet pipes, valves and a thermometer.

4. The process according to claim 1, characterized in that the oven is provided with means of burning selected from at least one or more burners of natural gas and / or LP, the oven is also provided with a thermal insulation coating to prevent heat loss and a thermometer.

5. The process according to claim 1, characterized in that the finishing agent for its coating and final finish are selected from linseed oil, coating polymers, such as polyurethane, varnishes, lacquers, paints, in a sufficient quantity to obtain a matte, semi-matte and high gloss finish, according to your requirement.

6.- The process according to claim 1, characterized in that in step b) thermo-treated wood, ii) heat is applied up to a selected temperature of between 185 °C, 200 °C and 215 °C, for a time from 12 to 160 hours.

7. The process according to claim 6, characterized in that the dried wood in step b) Heat-treated wood, ii) improves the class No., where the higher the temperature, the better the class No.

8. The process according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) Selection of the wood; b) Thermo-treated selected wood, the selected wood is introduced into an airtight chamber provided with heating means, air extraction means, and water vapor supply means in the following sequence: i) Extraction of the oxygen-containing air from the airtight chamber by means of air extraction means, to remove all or most of the oxygen from the airtight chamber, to prevent oxidation of the wood cellulose during thermo treaty; ii) Drying of the selected wood, applying heat up to a temperature between 130°C and 250°C, for a time between 12 and 160 hours to eliminate excess moisture, resins, gums, volatile compounds, microorganisms and surface stains; iii) Stabilization of the dried wood, apply steam through the steam supply means to the already dried wood for a time between 1 to 6 hours to stabilize the wood during the carbonization process, preventing it from burning. contracts due to loss of moisture by developing internal stresses which are released by the formation of cracks, cracks, twists or bends, and also improves the durability of the wood during the carbonization process; iv) Cooling of the stabilized wood, let the stabilized wood cool down to room temperature, and once cold, remove it from the hermetic chamber; c) Conditioning of the thermo-treated wood, the thermo-treated wood is cut, planed, edged, tongue-and-groove and polished to the measurements and texture required for its use; d) Carbonization of heat-treated wood, the heat-treated wood is placed in an oven 1 meter long x 80 centimeters wide x 60 centimeters high, made of high-fire resistant refractory partitions, covered with mud inside and on the outside with a layer of insulating fiber and stainless steel sheet, inside the oven at least 4 flute-type LP gas burners are installed that burn the wood by means of fire at a temperature from 260°C to 550°C, preferably from 280°C to 500°C for a time of between 2 to 12 hours, preferably for a time of between 2 to 6 hours until it has carbonized from between 2 to 9 millimeters of thickness of the surface of the thermo-treated wood, preferably 2 to 9 millimeters; e) Cooling, hydration and stabilization of the carbonized heat-treated wood, then take out the hot carbonized heat-treated wood from the oven, and spray water on the carbonized heat-treated wood to cool, hydrate and stabilize it by closing the pore formed during carbonization, avoiding that it contracts due to the loss of moisture by developing internal stresses which are released by the formation of cracks, cracks, twists or bends, and generate a better charred finish on the surface of the wood; and f) Final finish of the carbonized heat-treated wood, applying at least one or more finishing agents to the surface of the carbonized heat-treated wood for its coating and final finish.

9. The process according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) Selection of the wood; b) Thermo-treated selected wood, the selected wood is introduced into an airtight chamber provided with heating means, air extraction means, and water vapor supply means in the following sequence: i) Extraction of the air it contains oxygen from the hermetic chamber by means of air extraction means, to remove all or most of the oxygen from the hermetic chamber, to avoid oxidation of the wood cellulose during heat treatment; ii) Drying of the selected wood, applying heat up to a temperature between 130°C and 250°C, for a time between 12 and 160 hours. to remove excess moisture, resins, gums, volatile compounds, microorganisms and surface stains;

Ni) Stabilization of dried wood, apply water vapor through the water vapor supply means to the already dried wood for a time between 1 to 6 hours to stabilize the wood during the carbonization process, preventing it from burning. contracts due to loss of moisture by developing internal stresses which are released by the formation of cracks, cracks, twists or bends, and also improves the durability of the wood during the carbonization process; iv) Cooling of the stabilized wood, let the stabilized wood cool down to room temperature, and once cold, remove it from the hermetic chamber; c) Conditioning of the thermo-treated wood, the thermo-treated wood is cut, planed, edged, tongue-and-groove and polished to the measurements and texture required for its use, optionally; d) Carbonization of the thermo-treated wood, the thermo-treated wood is introduced into an oven provided with burning media, where the burning media burns the surface of the thermo-treated wood by means of fire at a temperature between 260°C up to 550°C for between 2 and 12 hours, until between 2 and 9 millimeters thick of the surface of the heat-treated wood has carbonized; e) Cooling, hydration and stabilization of the carbonized heat-treated wood, then take out the hot carbonized heat-treated wood from the oven, and spray water on the carbonized heat-treated wood to cool, hydrate and stabilize it by closing the pore formed during carbonization, avoiding that contracts due to the loss of humidity when developing internal stresses which are released by the formation of cracks, cracks, twists or bends, and generate a better carbonized finish on the surface of the wood; and f) Final finish of the carbonized heat-treated wood, applying at least one or more finishing agents to the surface of the carbonized heat-treated wood for its coating and final finish.

10. The process according to claim 1, characterized in that in step b) heat treated wood, the wood obtained has a lower moisture content, better dimensional stability, longer useful life because it is more resistant to inclement weather, uniform natural coloring and more pronounced wood grain without stains, light weight, better biological resistance reducing the risk of putrefaction due to the elimination of microorganisms, elimination of resins, gums, volatile compounds and surface stains From the wood; and because thermo-treated wood does not tend to swell or shrink due to the effect of humidity and over time, it retains its appearance for much longer once installed.

11. The process according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat-treated wood can be charred on one of its surfaces (upper or lower), on part of its surfaces (upper and/or lower) and/or on both surfaces (upper and lower).

12. A thermo-treated wood in accordance with the process of claim 1, is characterized by having the following values indicated in the following table 3:

Table 3

subsequent heat treatment temperatures 185°C and 215°C; ^*** The wood is selected from various types of wood; ^*** Where 1. Treatment temperature (°C); 2. Density (kg/m ³ ); 3. Mass loss (%); 4. MEE (%) Hygroscopic efficiency; 5. ASEV (%) Anti-swelling efficiency; 6. Moisture content (5); 7. Compressive strength (Mpa); 8. Shear strength (Mpa); 9. Flexural strength (Mpa); 10. Modulus of elasticity (Mpa); and 11. Hardness.

13. The thermo-treated wood in accordance with claim 11, characterized by having the following values indicated in the following table 2: Table 2

^*** The heat treatment of the wood is carried out at the following heat treatment temperatures: 185°C, 200°C, 215°C optimized and 215°C; ^*** Wood for heat treatment is selected from various types of wood.

14. The heat-treated wood in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that the Maritime Pine (PM) wood has the following values: the Maritime Pine (PM) wood without heat treatment (ST) with a value of AL*=0 , with heat treatment at 160°C with a value of AL*=-16.54, at 185°C with a value of AL*=-25.43, at 200°C with a value of AL*=-28.33, and at 215°C with a value of AL*=- 36.61 , where increased thermal treatment the Maritime Pine (PM) material is darkens.

15. The heat-treated wood in accordance with claim 11, characterized in that the Pine wood (PS) has the following values: the Pine wood (PS) without heat treatment (ST) with a value of AL*=0, with heat treatment at 160°C with a value of AL*=-15.17, at 185°C with a value of AL*=-19.45, at

200°C with a value of AL*=-26.28, and at 215°C with a value of AL*=-28.87, where increased heat treatment makes the Pine (PS) material darker.