Abstract
In this paper, we describe certain mechanical properties, namely, Brinell hardness, Young's modulus and bending strength, of Japanese cedar densified using the newly developed rolling and fixation method (R&F Method) and compare them with the mechanical properties obtained using traditional press works with flat dies, that is, plane compression. The effect of the difference in deformation between the R&F Method and plane compression on the mechanical properties was examined under the fixation condition of a drying set (80°C×24hr). It was found that Brinell hardness was affected mainly by the unloading process of the R&F Method and that Young's modulus and bending strength were affected mainly by the shearing deformation of the R&F Method. Eternal fixation with a high-pressure steam (180°C×10min, 200°C×5min) had an effect on the recovery of the defects caused by the unloading process and shearing deformation. However, eternal fixation with a high- temperature dry air (180°C×20hr, 200°C×5hr) was not effective. We conclude that the eternal fixation of the R&F Method should be carried out with a high-pressure steam.
