I got into an argument saying wood would melt under certain conditions (like no oxygen), is this true?

Question

What conditons is it possible for wood to melt if any. Has this ever been experimentally determined?

My biochem teacher says wood would just burn at high temperature and no oxygen. Is this true, if so it counterdicts some of the answers?

Answer 1

"At the very high temperatures obtained by friction (more than 180°C), the lignin and hemicellulose which make up the cell walls of wood fibres, change their state and behaviour. The fibres "melt", intertwine and bond to each other under the effects of pressure, forming a joint at the contact surface between parts. Researchers have shown that new carbon compounds, such as furfural, appear and strengthen the lignin and hemicellulose network thus formed. The mechanical strength of these joints, obtained in a few seconds, is equivalent to that of a glue after 24 hours of bonding."

Does that count?

Answer 2

Yes. Many substances that would burn in the presence of oxygen will liquify when heated in a vacuum, or under nitrogen. Wood of course is a complex substance containing a number of different compounds with different melting points, but it is theoretically possible to liquify all the components.

Answer 3

it makes sense, since burning is caused by the combustion of organic material and oxygen, and since everything can liquify at a high enough temperature its possible, unless the substance will undergo sublimation(solid-->gas)

Answer 4

i'm so against abortion ! why should you kill a baby ! get married then have sex , it is better , now a days people have sex whenever they want which is not good and causes a lot of problems , and if someone was raped , i think only the man should be punished and the baby , cuz it is not the women's fault, and the baby in that case should be killed cuz who would take care of it , but i personaly against abortion !