Effect of Polyethylene Glycol on Stabilization of Black Oak Blocks

Matched green black oak blocks were treated with polyethylene glycol 1000 (PEG) at five levels of treatment (24, 96, 192, and 384 hours). Variables involved in this study were specific gravity, pore space, moisture content, remoistening, and treating time. Initial moisture content was in the range of 87-119 percent. Dimensional changes, block volumes, checking, and warping were used to determine effects of the treatment. A 96-hour treatment with polyethylene glycol 1000 reduced tangential and volumetric shrinkage by about 65 percent and radial shrinkage by 68 percent. Longer treatments gave no additional practical result. Warping of the blocks was insignificant after 96 hours of treatment. Checking was restricted to the “hairline” variety but was independent of treating time. The PEG absorbed increased up to 384 hours. At 96 hours the blocks absorbed 44 percent of their dry weight and, only an additional 14 percent in 288 more hours.

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