Microwave modification of wood: determination of mechanical properties of softwood

Abstract

Studies of aspen and birch wood interaction with pulsed exposure to microwave energy have been carried out. A method for determining the effect of microwave energy on the temperature inside the test specimen has been developed. It includes experimental setup for studying heat and mass transfer during drying and heat treatment of wood with microwave energy. Moisture content inside wood specimens has been determined by a new method using a laboratory installation for studying the mechanical properties of wood under the influence of microwave energy. This energy influences on the drying speed of the tested wood specimens. The research enables to select the optimal mode of wood heating by pulsed exposure to microwave energy. The results of wood tests for strength and hardness, obtained under the influence of microwave energy, have revealed the effect of wood hardening. The research has shown that microwave treatment of specimens reduces drying time of aspen and birch wood by five times in comparison with convective treatment.