Determination of Dimensional Stabilization of Wood Using the Water-Soak Method

Authors

  • Roger M. Rowell
  • W. Dale Ellis

Keywords:

Pinus spp., southern pine, dimensional stability, antishrink efficiency, bonded chemicals, leaching, test, methods, bulking, water soaking, cell walls, chemical modification

Abstract

Erroneous results can be obtained by the water-soak method in determination of dimensional stability that Chemically treated wood. Leaching of bulking chemicals results in a loss of dimensional Stability that can be determined only after an initial soaking cycle. After a first soaking cycle, values for percet dimensional stabilization are more realistic for those treatments where the bulking chemical has reacted with cell-wall components. Where the bulking chemical is not bound to cell-wall components, leaching during the first soaking cycle removes most of the chemical, so that in the second soaking cycle, values for percent of dimensional stability are very low. It is important that the test method used be tailored to fit the end use of the product. For products stabilized only against changes in humidity, a second soaking cycle should not be used to determine dimensional stability. Treatments that only fill cell lumens and do not bulk the cell wall result in a low degree of dimensional stability.

References

Meyer, J. A. 1977. Wood-polymer composites and their industrial applications. Am. Chem. Soc. Symposium Series No. 43. pp. 301-325.nMitchell, H. L. 1972. How PEG helps the hobbyist who works with wood. USDA For. Prod. Lab., 20 pp.nRowell, R. M., D. I. Gutzmer, I. B. Sachs, and R. E. Kinney. 1976. Effects of alkylene oxide tretments on dimensional stability of wood. Wood Sci, 9(1):51-54.nRowell, R. M., D. I. Gutzmer, I. B. Sachs, and R. E. Kinney. 1978. Distribution of bonded chemicals in southern pine treated with alkalene oxides. Wood Sci. 10(4):193-197.nStamm, A. J. 1964. Wood and cellulose science. Ronald Press Co., New York.n

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Published

2007-06-28

Issue

Number 2 / Summer 1978

Section

Research Contributions

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