Frequency-dependent viscoelastic properties of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) under hygrothermal conditions. Part 1: Moisture adsorption

Abstract

To elucidate the frequency-dependent viscoelasticity of wood under a moisture non-equilibrium state, changes in stiffness and damping as a function of frequency were investigated during the moisture adsorption process. The moisture adsorption processes were carried out at six temperatures (30-80°C) and three relative humidity levels (30, 60 and 90% RH). During the moisture adsorption process, the wood stiffness decreased, and damping increased with the increment of moisture content (MC). Regardless of the moisture adsorption time, the wood stiffness increased, and damping decreased with the increasing testing frequency. Based on the re-organized Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) model, the time-moisture superposition (TMS) relation was assumed to be applicable for developing a master curve of wood stiffness during the moisture adsorption process. The frequency ranges of the stiffness master curves spanned from 16 to 23 orders of magnitude at temperatures ranging from 30 to 80°C. However, the TMS relation was not able to predict the wood damping properties during the moisture adsorption process due to the multi-relaxation system of the wood and the non-proportional relationship between free volume and MC at transient moisture conditions.