Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the free and bound water flows in the different axes of Corymbia citriodorawood during drying. Wood samples were taken from the inner and outer regions of the tree stem from seven-years-old experimental plantations. The blocks were prepared for the water flow to occur in each wood axis and they were dried up to the final moisture content of 12%. Free water (FWFR), bound water (BWFR) and total water (TWFR) flow rates were calculated. The relationship between loss of moisture content and time presented an exponential curve, especially in the radial and tangential wood axes. Water flow in the three wood directions presented higher FWFR than TWFR (which was higher than BWFR). Free water flow was ~10 times higher than adsorbed water flow, considering values for moisture content between ~80% to ~12%. Free water movement in the longitudinal direction of the wood was ~2 times greater than in the radial axis and ~3 times greater than in the tangential axis. Bound water movement in the longitudinal direction of the wood was ~2 times greater than in the transverse direction. Bound water flow in the radial axis of the wood was statistically equal to the one in the tangential axis. The results indicate that the intensity of free and bound water flows changes according to the direction of Corymbiacitriodora wood
Highlights
The relationship between water and wood has been scientifically studied for over a century, focusing mainly on softwoods (Engelund et al 2013)
The samples used to evaluate water flow in the longitudinal axis had slightly higher initial moisture (77%) and yet lost free water rapidly when compared to samples from the radial and tangential directions, which presented average initial moisture of 72 and 73%, respectively
Free and bound water flow showed no significant difference between the internal and external regions of the trunk
Summary
The relationship between water and wood has been scientifically studied for over a century, focusing mainly on softwoods (Engelund et al 2013). The water flow in the wood presents variations in its physical state and form of movement (Engelund et al 2013). Water flows in the wood are complex, as it occurs during liquid and gaseous phases (Kollmann and Côté Jr 1968), depending on whether it is above or below the FSP. At this point, the moisture content varies between 25 and 35% (Skaar 1988)
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