It is well known that there are various thermal modification methods in the world and some of those methods have been registered such as ThermoWood, Perdure, Plato, and Menz Holz. All these methods have some major differences such as process conditions, wet or dry process, steering schedules, process steps, atmosphere (oxygen or nitrogen), steaming, and use of oil. Major aims of the thermal modification methods are to improve dimensional stability, durability, equilibrium moisture content,

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... ability, and surface quality. The main objective of this research was to investigate the effects of the thermal modification process by ThermoWood technology on the wettability characteristics of the wood. The experimental wood materials were cut from wild cherry wood (Cerasus avium (L.) Monench). The wood specimens were subjected to thermal modification at temperature of 190°C or 212°C for 60, 90, 120, or 150min. Contact angle measurements were obtained using a goniometer system connected to a digital camera and computer system. The results clearly showed that the surface wettability properties of the thermally modified wood materials by ThermoWood technology were significantly affected by the process temperature or time. The wettability measurements indicated that the contact angle values of the wood materials increased with the thermal modification. The results acquired in this work provide important information for future research and utilization of the thermally modified wood materials.