Variation in Permeability and Treatability in Shortleaf Pine and Yellow Poplar

Authors

  • E. T. Choong
  • P. J. Fogg

Abstract

Superficial gas permeability determinations were made for longitudinal, radial, and tangential flow on samples removed from different heights, radii, and distances along the radii in a young and a mature shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) and in a yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.). Permeability was measured at a mean pressure of 2.2 atmospheres and the wood was maintained at about 18% moisture content. Some of the samples were then pressure-treated with creosote under controlled conditions to estimate treatability. Specific gravity and latewood per cent were also determined. In the young pine, position in the tree showed no effect on permeability, whereas in the mature pine a slight increase with height and a sharp increase with distance from the pith were detected. In yellow poplar, an increase of permeability with distance outwards along the radius was detected, but no consistent height change. Treatability, particularly retention, was moderately correlated with permeability, particularly in shortleaf pine. In yellow poplar, inclusion of permeability values for all three structural directions was necessary to obtain correlation. All relationships were improved by transforming the permeability logarithmically. Specific gravity and latewood relationships with permeability were conflicting. Use of a mean pressure higher than atmospheric appeared to be advantageous in permeability determinations.

References

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Published

2007-06-05

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Research Contributions