Influence of Weathering on Moisture Performance of Wood

IRG/WP 17-20619

M Žlahtič-Zupanc, B Lesar, N Thaler, M Humar

Water performance of wood is besides the inherent durability the most important factor that influences on the performance of wood in outdoor, above ground applications. Therefore it is of significant importance to optimize the methods that are able to predict the moisture behaviour of wood in outdoor applications. In order to elucidate this questions, samples were prepared of oak (Quercus), sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), European larch (Larix decidua), Scots pine heartwood and sapwood (Pinus sylvestris), Norway spruce (Picea abies), and beech (Fagus sylvatica). The moisture performance of the some samples was influenced with thermal modification, wax, oil, and biocide treatment. There were two type of the specimens prepared. Smaller (1.5 × 2.5 × 5.0) was exposed to natural weathering for three periods, 9, 18 and 27 months and consequently analysed in laboratory with various methods (contact angle, short and long term water uptake, water vapour uptake …). In parallel bigger specimens (2.5 × 5.0 × 50 cm) were exposed in monolayer exposure and equipped with moisture monitoring loggers Scanntronik for 18 months. The results of the present study clearly showed, that water performance of the majority of the materials decreases with weathering. In order to fully elucidate moisture performance of wood, variety of the various laboratory tests needs to be applied. In order to fully elucidate water performance, tests should consider capillary water and water vapour interactions with wood.


Keywords: wood, moisture performance, weathering, aging, service life

Conference: 17-06-04/08 Ghent, Belgium


Download document (1.2 Mb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document