Elimination of Xylophages from Wood through Microwave Treatment: Microstructural Experiments

Abstract

Samples of chestnut wood taken from modern age structures in the Campania Region were subjected to chemical and physical analysis in order to examine the microstructural variations in the material as a result of exposure to microwaves with the aim of devitalising colonies of xylophages. Results showed that the use of microwaves does not lead to alterations in the structure of the wood, but does bring about variations in its hygroscopicity and permeability.

Keywords

• microwave
• structures in wood
• xylophages
• microstructure