Lämpökäsitelty

Lämpökäsitelty is a Finnish term that translates to "heat-treated" in English. It refers to a process where a material undergoes a controlled application of heat to alter its physical and sometimes chemical properties. This treatment is applied to a wide range of substances, including wood, metal, and food products.

In the context of wood, heat treatment is a method used to improve the stability, durability, and resistance to decay and insect infestation. The process typically involves heating wood to temperatures between 150°C and 250°C in an oxygen-poor environment. This causes chemical changes within the wood structure, reducing its moisture content and making it less susceptible to swelling and shrinking. Heat-treated wood is often used in outdoor applications like decking, cladding, and furniture.

For metals, heat treatment encompasses various processes such as annealing, hardening, and tempering. These treatments are used to modify the metal's microstructure, influencing its strength, hardness, ductility, and toughness. For example, hardening steel makes it more resistant to wear and deformation, while annealing softens it for easier machining.

In the food industry, heat treatment, commonly known as pasteurization or sterilization, is employed to kill harmful microorganisms, extending the shelf life of products like milk, juice, and canned goods. The temperature and duration of the heat treatment are carefully controlled to ensure food safety without significantly degrading the nutritional value or quality of the food.