Grouping of six tropical wood species for drying based on temperature, thickness, and predicted drying times from a new soaking test.

摘要

This research presents a system for grouping different tropical wood species for drying based on predicted drying times for wood. Drying tests were conducted on six tropical species with three different thicknesses, flat saw cut, and three drying temperature levels. Data on soaking times determined from a soaking test. Drying curves in the hygroscopic range and soaking curves were well defined by a nonlinear model. Soaking times, thicknesses, and temperature levels were used in an empirical model to predict drying times. The model parameters were estimated the least squares method. The capability of the model of predicting drying times was considered acceptable based on an adjusted R{dollar}sp2{dollar} of 0.9384 and an average error of 14%. The overall capability of the method proposed for grouping mixed tropical hardwoods for drying was considered acceptable. The capillary and diffusion mechanisms in the radial direction were analyzed by comparing three different kinds of moisture adsorption tests for wood. The substantial difference in moisture movement mechanism between a partial immersion test (i.e. soaking test) and a total immersion test suggested that the continuity of capillary flow in the radial direction for partially dried wood is restricted. The common behavior between the soaking curves and the adsorption curves strongly supported the soaking time as predictor for drying time.