In general the impregnation of airdried spruce results in a variable treatment and limited penetration. This is the result of pit aspiration that occurs during drying of the spruce sapwood and heartwood. Spruce timber is becoming of greater importance in Belgium and hence research for better treatment of this vulnerable wood species is needed. Squared airdried timber of different dimensions were extracted from 10 winter-felled logs (Picea abies (L.) Karst) and impregnated with preservative used for constructional purposes. Partly the material was presteamed or waterlogged. Prior to the preservative treatment both groups were reconditioned to the same moisture content as the reference material (airdried). Retention and different penetration parameters showed better figures when only modifying the treating cycle rather than using a pretreatment. Both pretreatments seemed to have no positive effect on the treatability of airdried material. Increasing the strength of the initial vacuum parameters of the full-cell processes improved the degree and homogenity of the penetration of the preservative components.

Download document (585 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document