Variable climate’s effect on wood material’s equilibrium moisture content in Turkey

Abstract

Some negative attributes of wood material have numerous practical consequences. The most important of these attributes is that wood, as a hygroscopic material, is dependent on the relative humidity of its environment. The hygroscopic nature of wood material can lead to serious problems when used in doors, windows, and interior or exterior decoration materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on wood materials equilibrium moisture due to different climates in selected provinces in Turkey. This study examined pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and oak (Quercus rubra L.) woods, both of which are commonly used in industry. Over 12 months, the equilibrium moisture value of these wood was determined in the Bursa, Antalya, İzmir, Malatya, Trabzon, Karabük, Van, and Kars provinces of Turkey. Pine and oak samples, prepared per standards TS 2471 (1976) and TS 2472 (1976), were taken from these provinces each month, and the equilibrium moisture values were determined. It was observed that the use of Scotch pine wood samples for both indoor and outdoor use was more appropriate over the 12-month period. Malatya was the province in which the Scotch pine samples were the least affected. It was also determined that Van was the most suitable province for the interior use of oak wood material. It was not found that indoor use gave better results than outdoor use.