Baschild, the company based in Treviolo (Bergamo) specializing in wood thermal treatment and drying, was among the key participants in the 11th edition of ECWM, the European Conference on Wood Modification…
Baschild, the company based in Treviolo (Bergamo) specializing in wood thermal treatment and drying, took part in the 11th edition of the European Conference on Wood Modification (ECWM). The event – held a few months ago in Florence – focused on the thermal treatment of wood.
During the conference, Baschild delivered a presentation in collaboration with the University of Sassari, showcasing innovations and advancements in the field of thermal stabilization. The presentation was given by Alessandro Porcu, Baschild’s Marketing and Sales Manager, and Paola Cetera, a researcher from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Sassari.
The event provided an important platform for discussing sustainability and innovation in the sector, which our magazine Xylon has also extensively covered in previous issues. Interested readers can access these articles in the archive section of the website xylon.it.
The thermal treatment of wood is now a highly effective technique for improving resistance and durability in an environmentally sustainable way. The thermal treatment process – based on the use of heat and steam without chemical additives – produces a durable and stable material suitable for a variety of applications, with minimal environmental impact. As highlighted during the presentation, scientific studies, such as those by Bourgois (1989), show that heat alters the molecular structure of wood, increasing dimensional stability and biological resistance without the use of chemicals.
The thermal process used by Baschild heats the wood to temperatures as high as 200 degrees Celsius, alternating heating cycles with re-humidification to stabilize the material. The treated wooden boards are processed according to current standards, such as Nf B 50-105-3, and the company exclusively uses wood from sustainably managed forests certified with international environmental standards, including PEFC and FSC, to ensure the responsible sourcing of materials while respecting the delicate balance between industrial production and environmental conservation.
WOOD SPECIES
Among the species treated are western red cedar, larch, spruce, Nordic pine, and Douglas fir. These woods, chosen for their natural properties, become even more versatile through thermal treatment, which enhances their dimensional stability and weather resistance, making them ideal for outdoor applications such as cladding and decking.
Baschild’s range includes wooden cladding with various product lines, such as “Elegance”, “New Age”, “Vintage”, “Montagne”, and “Colors”, each tailored to specific aesthetic and functional needs. All claddings are certified “Ctb B+” by the French Institute of Technology for Forest-Based and Furniture Sectors (FCBA), a certification that guarantees the performance of the treatments used, ensuring durability and long-term resistance.
In addition to cladding, Baschild offers thermally treated decking, panels, and wood façades, processed at temperatures reaching up to 210 degrees Celsius. Ashwood, in particular, renowned for its mechanical strength, is treated to become a reliable and long-lasting solution for applications requiring high material stability.
Thermal treatment not only improves the physical properties of wood but also enhances its aesthetic qualities. With exposure to high temperatures, the wood takes on a darker, more uniform color, emphasizing its natural beauty without the use of artificial dyes. Recent research, such as that by Candelier (2016), confirms that thermal treatment also increases resistance to biological attacks, making wood a durable and safe choice.
KEYWORD: SUSTAINABILITY
The thermal treatment of wood is particularly valued for its environmental compatibility. The absence of chemical additives and the exclusive use of renewable wood sources make treated wood a sustainable material aligned with current ecological needs.
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