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Platonising

Platonising Fast-growing wood species from certified forests undergo the patented and refined process before leaving the factory as Platowood wood. The platonising (hydro-thermal modification) takes place in-house, at the factory on Cleantech Park Arnhem.

Our
process

Raw material: untreated wood

Platowood uses fast-growing wood from sustainably managed forests. Wood naturally contains sugars, which are attractive to fungi. These fungi attack the wood, reducing its strength and shortening its lifespan.

Step 1: hydro-thermolyse

The wood is heated in an autoclave to a maximum of 165⁰C, by steam and under increased pressure. Hydro-thermolysis breaks down sugars, which are vulnerable to fungal growth.

Step 2: drying

The wood is then carefully and gradually dried so that it does not crack.

Step 3: curing

Once the wood has dried back to a moisture content percentage of around 8%, it is 'fired' in the kiln. The wood is heated to a maximum of 180⁰C under dry conditions. New stable compounds are formed in the wood.

The relatively low temperatures mean the wood retains its cellular structure and creates more stable joints. After platonising, the wood absorbs less moisture, thereby reducing shrinkage and swelling. Later mould formation is also prevented because sugars (breeding ground for moulds) are broken down naturally. Check out all the advantages of Platowood.

Platowood is the only company in the world that modifies wood in this sustainable way, enhancing the properties already present in the wood, without chemical additives. This makes the wood the most environmentally friendly choice for tropical hardwood.

 

Frequently asked questions

No, Platowood uses only water and heat to enhance the durability of the wood. First, it is steamed under high pressure and then baked in our gas-free factory in Arnhem.

Our process does not add anything to the wood; it alters its chemical and mechanical properties, giving it a very high durability class.

Want to know more about our process and how it differs from purely thermal modification of wood? Then read our article: Thermal and hydro-thermal modification: what’s the difference?