Comparison of Eucalyptus spp. wood quality in solar and conventional drying

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the quality of sawn Eucalyptus spp. wood under solar and conventional drying, focusing on parameters such as drying rate, moisture gradient, drying stresses, and wood defects. For this purpose, a comparison was made between samples dried in a solar kiln and a conventional drying chamber. As a preliminary analysis, the specific gravity and initial moisture content of the wood were evaluated, and the quality and drying parameters of the wood were assessed both before and after the drying process. It was observed that the drying rate in the conventional chamber was twice as high above the fiber saturation point and four times higher in the diffusion phase compared to solar drying. Regarding the moisture gradient and defect index, there was no statistical difference between the two processes. However, the percentage of pieces with defects was significantly higher in conventional drying, as well as demonstrating higher drying stresses, which may hinder mechanical processing after water removal. Therefore, it can be concluded that solar drying presents a quality similar to conventional drying and can be a good alternative for drying processes.