Plasma treatment of pine wood (Pinus kesiya) using glow discharge ion source (GDIS)
Abstract
Pine wood (Pinus kesiya) samples were treated using low energy hydrogen ion shower. A compact gas discharge ion source (GDIS) was used to produce the hydrogen ions. The pine wood samples were exposed with the hydrogen ion beam with a discharge current from 1mA to 4mA with 3 mTorr gas filling pressure. The changes on the properties of plasma treated pine wood were investigated in contrast to untreated samples using wettability tests and flame test. Two types of thin wood sample were plasma treated: longitudinal (samples cut perpendicular to the tree growth rings) and cross-sectional (samples cut parallel to the growth rings). Different tests on a longitudinal sample such as water drop test, dye test and flame retardation test were conducted to investigate the wettability and flammability properties of the wood specimen. Wettability results showed that the treated sample absorbed water slower than the untreated sample. Plasma treatment retards the fire consumption of the wood. SEM results for the cross section sample showed opening of more pores and appearance of cracks. These results prove that low energy hydrogen ion shower is effective to enhance hydrophobicity and flame retardation.