Simultaneous change of wood mass and dimension caused by moisture dynamics

Abstract

An investigation of simultaneous dynamic mass and length change measurement for wood is presented. In contrast to the equilibrium in moisture content and swelling and shrinking, where extensive data exists for different wood species, less information is available for the dynamics of moisture changes in direct comparison to the related dimensional changes during the sorption process. This is due to a lack of methods. A gravimetric sorption system, equipped with a high resolution camera and an automated image evaluation, is used to examine simultaneous effects of water vapour sorption dynamics and dimensional change. This method proves a strong correlation between mass and dimensional change, which is in contrast to other investigations. Equilibrium moisture content as well as swelling and shrinking data is in good agreement with literature and manual measurements. The method enables the possibility to determine swelling and shrinking values in-situ without disturbing the targeted climatic conditions. The system is applicable for the investigation of natural wood, modified wood, wood composites or other lignocellulosic materials.