The Accoya Wood Information Guide

Transcription

1 The Accoya Wood Information Guide Welcome to the Accoya Wood Information Guide (the Guide ) which has been compiled to provide detailed information and recommendations for the handling and use of Accoya wood. This Guide has been compiled for professionals wishing to use Accoya wood to create beautiful, reliable and highly durable end products. Should you require further information or have any comments about this Guide, please contact UCS. Contents 01 Accoya Wood Properties 02 Transportation and Storage 03 Wood Moisture Content 04 Processing 05 Non-Structural Gluing 06 Metals in Contact With Accoya 07 Coating 08 Certifications 09 Standards and Regulations

2 Information Sheet 01 Accoya Wood Properties Introduction Accoya wood is a remarkable development in wood technology that has made the reliable supply of durable, dimensionally stable wood a reality. Accoya wood s performance credentials have been extensively researched and repeatedly demonstrated. With properties that exceed those of the best tropical woods, Accoya wood is manufactured by modifying wood from well-managed forests. Properties Lasts for at least 50 years above ground and 25 years in-ground and/or in contact with fresh water Superior resistance to UV degradation when translucent coated Outstanding dimensional stability and improved hardness Environmentally compatible. 100 % recyclable and naturally renewable Class 1 Durability (the best available and better than most tropical hardwoods or Oak) Highly improved thermal insulation in comparison with commonly used wood species (typically 15% better than softwoods and 40% better than hardwoods) Improved fungi and insect durability Non-toxic. The Accoya wood manufacturing process adds nothing to the wood that does not already naturally occur in it Accoya wood is easy to machine and process and creates no extra challenges for manufacturers or end users Consistent and measurable modification quality protection from the surface to the core of every sample Retained natural strength and beauty Accoya is available from FSC and other sustainably well-managed certified sources The mark for products from well managed forests CU-COC FSC more

3 Information Sheet 01 continued Technical Data This table shows the average properties of Accoya wood and has been compiled using data extracted from official test reports, copies of which are available upon request. Durability class Density 1 (comparable to old growth Teak and Ipê) 3 32 lb/ft (comparable to Douglas Fir and Mahogany) Equilibrium moisture content 3-5 % (65% RV, 68 F) Shrinkage (wet dry) Radial 0.7 % (nothing else comes close) Tangential 1.5 % (nothing else comes close) Bending strength 5,656 psi (appearance grade average*) Bending stiffness 1,270,000 psi (appearance grade average*) Thermal Conductivity = 0.13 Wm -1-1 K (40% better than typical hardwoods) Hardness (Janka) Side 922 LBF (comparable to Red Oak and Teak) End 1,484 LBF (comparable to Red Oak and Teak) Appearance Accoya is supplied as sawn wood in various sizes with a maximum thickness of 100 mm. Glue laminated beams can be produced to meet larger needs. The species used is sourced from the Pinus Radiata and has an appearance of pine wood. The visual qualities that Titan Wood can offer are: Optimised / finger jointed A1: 4 sides primarily clear A2: 3 sides primarily clear A3: 1 side primarily clear Mixed quality Dressing * Structural grades are available by special order Detailed Information Official test reports are available. Ask your Accoya sales representative or complete the sales request form on our website.

4 Information Sheet 02 Transportation and Storage Accoya Packages Storage Traceability All Accoya wood undergoes a final visual inspection before leaving the plant. Accoya wood is automatically strapped into standard labelled packages, each with a unique tracking number, and FSC markings as required. Titan Wood supplies Accoya wood in rough sawn dimensions with a moisture content of approximately 3-5%. Accoya wood is sold net talley, meaning that the Accoya dimensions are true measurements versus nominal within the tolerances of our sales specifications. In accordance with the moisture content requirements for the intended application, Accoya wood should be carefully stored in the same way as other wood. It is important that it does not become wet or dirty or suffer any damage. Even though Accoya does not shrink and swell like other woods, free water absorption should be avoided to ease manufacturing. Accoya wood should not be wrapped in plastic when stored in sheltered conditions. Additionally, Accoya wood should be stored in a well ventilated facility. Accoya wood is identified by its packaging labels, which feature the Accoya wood logo. In case of doubt, UCS will, at the cost of the customer, verify the product s authenticity, with or without the involvement of a wood technology institute. In addition, Accoya wood can generally be traced by its packaging number. It is therefore imperative to retain all relevant documents and to record the movements of each package through to the manufacture of the end products. This is required for the FSC Chain of Custody. The packaging number is to be quoted in the case of any queries or complaints.

5 Information Sheet 03 Wood Moisture Content Introduction Measuring Moisture Content of Accoya The moisture within wood takes two forms: free water which is contained in the cell cavities, and bound water which is contained within the cell wall matrix. Accoya wood is very resistant to bound water and the dimensional stability and durability issues associated with it. However, it can still have excess free water, for example, if it is left in the rain during tranport. Accoya wood has a moisture content of approximately 3 to 5% at a relative atmospheric humidity of 65% and a temperature of 20 C. Due to the low normal moisture content of Accoya wood, it cannot be measured with standard moisture meters prior to processing because its moisture content is below the measuring range. However, standard moisture meters may be used to determine whether Accoya wood has anexcess of free water. Excess free water can have a negative impact on certain processing steps, such as coating. If measurement shows moisture content of more than 8%, this may indicate the presence of free water and the wood should be allowed to dry.

6 Info rmation She et 0 4 Processing General Processing of Accoya wood does not aff ect its unique properties, such as durability and dimensional stability, as the wood is modified throughout the cross sectio n and is not leachable. Special tools are not required for cross cutting, ripping, planning, routing, or drilling. Sanding before finishing may not be required due to the machining properties of Accoya. It should be noted that a light vinegar-like smell may become apparent when Accoya wood is processed. This smell presents no danger to the health of humans, animals or plants. Planing As a result of the production process, newly produced Accoya wood may show some surface discoloration (brown) and sticker marks. It may be necessary to dress Accoya further to remove all discoloration. Profiling Accoya is easy to process and can be compared with profiling a moderately hard wood species. Special tools are not required. Profiling Accoya wood will give a very smooth surface. Bending Accoya wood has excellent bending properties. Fastening Accoya wood is fastened in the same way as other commonly used wood species and the same rules regarding pre-drilling, countersinking and keeping sufficient distance from the edges apply. Accoya wood contains a small amount of residual acetic acid; it is strongly recommended that corrosion-resistant fixings, such as stainless steel, are used. For further information, please refer to Accoya wood Information Sheet 06, Metals in Contact with Accoya.

7 Information Sheet 05 Non-Structural Gluing General Accoya wood can be glued using many commonly used wood adhesive systems. Good results are obtained with polyurethane (PU), emulsion polymer isocyanate (EPI), epoxy and phenol resorcinol formaldehyde (PRF) adhesives. The results of gluing with polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) can vary and gluing with melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF) is strongly discouraged. Gluing Accoya wood for both load bearing and non-load bearing applications has been tested with a number of adhesive systems for laminating, finger jointing and frame corner joints. More information about these systems can be obtained by contacting us directly. When gluing Accoya wood it is strongly recommended that adhesive suppliers are consulted as they have in-depth knowledge of the gluing process and the adhesives, and are able to determine the performance of the glued product. Glue manufacturers that have specifically tested Accoya include: Hexion, HB Fuller, Purbond, CP Industries and Franklin Adhesives. Sealant manufacturers that have tested Accoya include: Bostik, Momentive Performance Materials (formerly GE Silicons) and Dow Silicons. Optimising the Adhesion Process It is highly recommended that you consult your adhesive supplier in order to obtain the best results for gluing Accoya wood. Points to consider include: The moisture content where the Accoya wood is glued should be similar to where the product will be used. The quantity of adhesive to be applied: if possible it should be evenly applied on both sides, in accordance with the adhesive manufacturer s instructions, to avoid blistering. A possibly longer open-closed time, which gives Accoya wood more time to absorb the water element of the adhesive. The applied pressure during gluing should be adapted to the strength of Accoya wood, as should the temperature if heat is applied. The curing time and the best curing conditions. more

8 Information Sheet 05 continued Joints Before gluing joints together, it is advised that the end grains be sealed using a suitable product as recommended by the supplier. For a long lasting result, Titan Wood emphasizes the importance of a proper frame corner joint. Despite the improved durability and dimensional stability of Accoya wood, it is still important to make the frame corner joint connection watertight to avoid possible paint damage. Laminating Finger Jointing Fastening Further Information Both load bearing and non-load bearing applications have been tested using adhesive systems related to laminating, finger jointing and frame corner joints. Good results can be achieved with most common adhesives. In general, best gluing results are obtained with Polyurethane (PU), epoxy and phenol resorcinol formaldehyde (PRF) adhesives. Gluing with melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) is not recommended. For laminating under certification schemes (KOMO for example), the performance of laminated board needs to be tested according to accepted standards. The quality of finger jointing under certification schemes (KOMO for example) must be tested independently in conformity with accepted standards. When gluing fasteners and fixtures to Accoya wood (for supporting constructions), it is essential to determine the tensile strength of the glued connection. Please Note: in view of Accoya wood s long service life, the use of corrosion-proof fixings and/or fasteners is strongly recommended. Further information about Accoya wood and contact with metals is given in Accoya wood Information Sheet 06. Further information may be obtained directly from adhesive suppliers. Titan Wood can provide contact details if necessary.

9 Information Sheet 06 Metals in Contact with Accoya General Stainless Steel Coated Steel Other Metals Avoid Direct Metal Contact with Accoya Avoid Condensation Further Information All wood contains organic acids, although the quantity varies by species. These acids are the main cause of corrosion of metal fasteners used in wood. Accoya wood has comparable acid levels to other durable species such as oak and western red cedar. Tests show that base metals and galvanised metals in direct or indirect contact with wood containing acids will corrode in damp climatic conditions. It is therefore strongly recommended that stainless steel products are used where possible. When stainless is not available, metals and/or the Accoya wood should be coated to avoid the two coming into direct contact. As with any installation, pit corrosion must also be avoided by using fasteners that are compatible with the metals used in hinges, locks and other fixtures. Please consult your fixings supplier to avoid any issues. Use of corrosion-proof steel fastenings that conform to EN is recommended, such as A2 or A4 or AISI Type 304 or 316 quality stainless steel. Stainless steel fixtures should also be used when available. Coated fixtures (such as with epoxy and polyurethane) should be used when stainless steel fixtures are not available. Galvanised metals are not corrosion-proof when used with Accoya wood. The surface of aluminium, copper and lead may also oxidize. When these metals have a protective layer on their surface, possible stains on Accoya wood are less likely. Metal corrosion can be substantially reduced if direct contact between metals and Accoya wood is avoided. This can be achieved by coating the wood with a proper sealant or by coating the metal with an acid-resistant coating, sealer, or other protective layer. Enclosed areas containing metals, such as around lock rebates, should also be sealed (for example with epoxy) even if there will not be direct metal contact. For additional temporary protection spraying all sides of the metal hardware before assembly/ mounting is recommended using a water repellent spray (such as PTFE or silicon based spray). This is also useful in case coated metals have been scratched during installation. Please note that these sprays can influence adhesion of coatings and maintenance of metal hardware. Ventilation of construction areas to avoid condensation on metal in contact with Accoya is an effective means of avoiding potential corrosion issues. Further information may be obtained directly from suppliers of fasteners, hinges and locks.

10 Information Sheet 07 Coating General Accoya wood may be finished with most commonly used coating systems. We highly recommend that coatings suppliers are involved in the process as they have in-depth knowledge of coatings, application and how to determine the performance of the finished product. Coatings manufacturers that have specifically tested Accoya include: Akzo Nobel/Sikkens, PPG, Sherwin Williams, Milesi, Premier Finishes and Kinloch USA. Preparation The surface to be treated should be clean and free of dust and grease. The moisture content where the Accoya wood is to be coated should be approximately the same as where the product will be used. Finish the wooden parts on all sides evenly before mounting or assembling them. The limited moisture absorbance capacity of Accoya wood should be taken into account during the drying process for water-borne paints. Accoya wood absorbs (liquid) water slowly, so extra drying time may be needed. Please contact your coating supplier for advice and processing instructions. Sanding Sand Accoya wood as you would with any moderately hard wood. Tests show that it is often not necessary to sand Accoya wood when finished with water based coatings since wood fibers scarcely bloom on or rough the surface after moisture absorbance. Opaque and Translucent Coatings (Film Forming) Opaque and translucent coating systems should be applied on all sides. Please contact your coating supplier for further advice. Non-Film Forming and Semi-Film Forming Systems Accoya wood may be finished with semi and non-film forming paint systems such as stains and oils. Although it is acceptable to use both water and oil-based systems on Accoya wood, the products tested to date show that the first layer is more quickly absorbed by Accoya wood when using an oil-based product. In either case, it is recommended that multiple coats be applied. Please refer to your coating supplier for advice about the best way to apply their products. more

11 Information Sheet 07 continued Greying Treated or untreated wood used outdoors will eventually grey due to natural processes that take place within the wood and at its surface: 1. UV light degrades substances in the wood structure leading to discoloration. These substances are water soluble and the surface of the wood pales when washed with a mild detergent and water. Do not use high pressure water spray. 2. UV degraded wood has a more open structure and this allows surface molds, stains, mosses and algae to penetrate and develop. They do not, however, cause rot on Accoya. Accoya wood is all-natural and non-toxic so Blue-stain growth can occur if Accoya is left uncoated. Blue stain can be avoided by using a high quality UV resistant coating. Further Information Further information may be obtained directly from coatings suppliers. We can provide contact details if necessary.

12 Information Sheet 08 Certifications Wood from Well Managed Forests The responsible procurement of wood plays a fundamental role in enhancing the value of Accoya wood as an environmentally compatible product. We are committed to the consistent use of wood from sustainably managed certified sources. Accoya wood can be obtained with FSC ( or PEFC certification ( Procedures are assessed annually by an independent certification body to ensure that they meet FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody guidelines. All Accoya is produced from well managed, sustainable sources, including FSC, PEFC and other regionally certified woods. KOMO KOMO is a highly regarded quality mark indicating that a product has been produced according to Dutch building and product regulations. Titan Wood s modification process and the end product, Accoya wood, are inspected several times each year by the notified certification body SKH (Netherlands) within the KOMO guidelines for modified wood, in accordance with assessment directive BRL Titan Wood s production is evaluated as follows: Uniformity and replication of the production process. Quality system. Accoya wood is also tested and assessed for: Durability Dimensional stability Mechanical properties Workability Gluability. Finishing. Accoya wood has been shown to satisfy the requirements demanded of a wood species for use in KOMO certified joinery and façade cladding.

13 Information Sheet 09 Standards and Regulations Standards and regulations are determined by local certifying or regulatory agencies. Accoya wood has undergone strict testing related to standards and regulations in many differing geographies. Natural Durability The term Natural Durability refers to the resistance of wood in its natural state to wooddestroying organisms, such as fungi and insects. As there are many certification schemes in use worldwide, there are many differing classification systems. The following table shows the natural durability of wood according to European classification EN 350-2: Classification of the Natural Durability to Wood-Destroying Fungi Class Durability for in-ground situations Average life span 1 Very durable 25 years and more 2 Durable years 3 Moderately durable years 4 Slightly durable 5 10 years 5 Not durable Less than 5 years Use Classes This classification refers to fungal attack and is most commonly used when referring to natural durability. Accoya wood is durability class 1 for use classes 1-4 of EN (see below). The risk of fungal attack is determined by the conditions in which the wood is used and the degree of exposure to moisture. European classification EN defines five use classes. The table below gives the classification whereby wetting and the related wood moisture content are determining factors. Class Conditions of use Wetting Wood moisture content 1 No contact with the ground, Permanently dry Permanent exposure < 20% sheltered and dry 2 No contact with the ground, Occasionally exposed to moisture Incidental short-term exposure* >20% sheltered with little chance of becoming wet 3 No contact with the ground, not Regularly exposed to moisture Regular short-term exposure* >20% sheltered in all weather conditions 4 In contact with ground Permanently exposed to water Permanent exposure >20% or fresh water 5 In contact with salt Permanently exposed to salt water Permanent exposure >20% or brackish water * Short-term exposure: a period of a couple of days to one week Durability Comparison A B C D E F A B C D E F Wood Species Accoya Wood Teak* Dark Red Meranti* Scots Pine** Southern Yellow Pine** Radiata Pine Denotes potential durability more

14 Information Sheet 10 continued Relevant Standard Sheets & Guidelines Below is a sampling of various standards and guidelines which have been tested for Accoya wood. ASTM B117-07A Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus ASTM D Standard Test Method for Small Clear Specimens of Timber ASTM E84 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials ASTM G Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials WDMA T.M Soil Block Test Method WDMA T.M Swellometer Test Method AWPA E1-06 Standard Method of Laboratory Evaluation to Determining Resistance to Subterranean Termites AWPA E10-01 Standard Method of Testing Wood Preservatives by Laboratory Soil-Block Culture AWPA E12-94 Standard Method of Determining Corrosion of Metal in Contact with Treated Wood AWPA E20 Standard Method for Determining the Leachability of Wood Preservatives in Ground Contact AWPA E22-07 Standard Accelerated Laboratory Method for Testing the Efficacy of Preservatives Against Wood Decay Fungi Using Compression Strength AWPA E23-07 Accelerated Method of Evaluating Wood Preservatives in Soil Contact AWPA E24-06 Standard Method of Evaluating the Resistance of Wood Product Surfaces to Mold Growth Assocations represented by the above acronyms are as follows: ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials AWPA: American Wood Protection Association WDMA: Window & Door Manufacturers Assocation Canadian Distribution ACCOYA WOOD Sales: accoya@ucfp.com US Distribution ACCOYA WOOD Sales: accoya@sierrafp.com ACCOYA WOOD Sales: accoya@ucsglobal.com Specialty Products ACCOYA WOOD Sales: accoya@forloversofwood.com