hochtemperaturisierte

Hochtemperaturisierte is a German term that translates to "high-temperature treated" or "thermally modified." It refers to a process where a material, most commonly wood, is subjected to elevated temperatures in a controlled environment. This thermal modification alters the physical and chemical properties of the material.

The primary goals of high-temperature treatment are to enhance durability and stability. For wood, this process typically involves heating it to temperatures between 150 and 250 degrees Celsius in an oxygen-free atmosphere. This lack of oxygen prevents combustion and instead leads to chemical changes within the wood structure. These changes include the reduction of hemicellulose and extractives, which are components that are susceptible to moisture absorption and decay.

As a result, hochtemperaturisierte materials exhibit significantly improved resistance to moisture, fungal decay, and insect attack. They also show reduced swelling and shrinking when exposed to fluctuating humidity levels, leading to greater dimensional stability. This makes them more suitable for applications where traditional materials might degrade or warp, such as outdoor decking, cladding, and interior flooring in humid environments. The process can also affect the color of the material, often imparting a darker, richer hue.