Eva Frühwald

Image analysis study of mould susceptibility of spruce and larch wood dried or heat-treated at different temperatures

Abstract In this study, mould growth on wood was investigated by image analysis. The studied parameters were drying and heat-treatment temperatures (20–210°C), original and resawn surface and different wood species (spruce and larch). Small specimens—some of which were inoculated with a spore suspension—were stored under humid conditions and photographed once a week. Mould growth was assessed by image analysis. In general, results found in earlier studies regarding the influence of several parameters could be confirmed. Image analysis was found to be a useful method to quantify mould growth in an objective and reproducible way.

Effect of High-Temperature Drying and Restraint on Twist of Norway Spruce

During drying, timber distortion is a major defect mainly due to shrinkage anisotropy, differences in longitudinal shrinkage, and spiral grain. The distortion can be reduced by external restraint and use of appropriate kiln schedules. The research presented here is part of a project on the improvement of shape stability of Norway spruce by high-temperature drying. The effects of drying temperatures between 80 and 170°C and restraint on the extent of twist in Norway spruce were investigated on 30 cm lengths. Results show that significant twist reduction could be achieved in restrained specimens sawn from core wood. This effect was permanent even after exposure to subsequent moisture cycling. In addition to high-temperature drying, heat-treated material (Thermowood®) was also investigated. As for the high-temperature dried material, twist amplitude in moisture cycling was highest for pith-in specimens. Increased heat-treatment temperature reduced the twist amplitude, thus improving the shape stability. However, for the material dried in this study, shape stability was not influenced by the drying temperature.

Effects of high drying temperatures and restraint on twist of larch (Larix)

Abstract During drying, timber changes its shape, mainly as a result of specific properties such as shrinkage anisotropy, radial differences in longitudinal shrinkage and spiral grain. The distortion, causing severe downgrading, can be reduced by restraining the timber and by using special drying schemes. The research described here is related to a project on the improvement of shape stability of Norway spruce. In the present part, different larch species from three stands were dried at high temperatures (80, 120 and 170°C). The effects of restraint during presteaming, drying and steaming on short-term twist reduction were investigated. The permanency of drying distortions was investigated in subsequent moisture cycling. Results showed a clear dependency of twist on the distance to pith. Restrained specimens sawn close to pith experienced reduced twist. This twist reduction was permanent during subsequent moisture variations. Drying temperature did not significantly influence twist and twist amplitude in moisture cycling.