Minimizing dust emission during routing operation of rubberwood

The study evaluated airborne dust emission (0.1–10 μm) during the routing operation of Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) in the furniture industry in South East Asia. It was found that the average chip thickness of 0.1 mm and wood moisture content of 12–14% minimized dust emission, while the cutting tool rake angle had little influence on dust emission. The study shows that adverse economic implications due to health hazards posed by airborne dust emissions during wood machining can be reduced by manipulating the average chip thickness and work-piece moisture content.     

Modelling of airborne dust emissions in CNC MDF milling

All dust control measures are necessary to reduce dust exposure in MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)-milling, because of the high amount and fineness of the dust produced and a potential risk of exposure to formaldehyde or other glue chemicals during the machining of MDF. The most effective way of reducing dust exposure is to reduce the emission of dust at the source. Airborne dust emission was studied and modelled in the milling. In the milling of MDF, airborne dust emission was much higher than in the milling of solid materials. Milling of MDF produced airborne particles with a mass median diameter of 6–7 µm. The most significant factor affecting the amount of dust created from milling was average chip thickness. In order to reduce the amount of dust, milling parameters should be chosen so that the average chip thickness is greater than 0.05 mm. The average chip thickness could be obtained with different milling parameters, for example with different combinations of feed and traverse rates. The same chip thicknesses resulted in around the same percentage fraction of fine dust mass regardless of how the average chip thickness was obtained. The relationship between the percentage fraction of fine dust mass from the removed mass (c_%) and the chip thickness (h_m) was modelled and presented in the form of c_% = 0.194 h _m ^-1. The model developed can be used to estimate the percentage fraction of fine dust mass as a function of chip thickness. The model can be used in optimisation programs for CNC milling machines to minimize the airborne dust generated and to reduce dust exposure.     

Improvement of termite resistance,dimensional stability and mechanical properties of pine wood by paraffin impregnation

Paraffin has been used as surface protection of wood throughout the ages but its use for impregnation to improve wood resistance to biodegradation is recent. This study determined the main improvements on wood properties with paraffin impregnation. Healthy Pinus pinaster Ait. wood was impregnated with paraffin at different levels using a hot–cold process. Weight gain, equilibrium moisture content and dimensional stability (ASE) at 35 and 65 % relative humidity, termite durability against Reticulitermes grassei (Clément), bending strength, bending stiffness (MOE) and Janka hardness were determined. Density increased from 0.57 to 0.99, ASE ranged between 38–96 % and 16–71 % for 35 and 65 % relative humidity, respectively. Equilibrium moisture content decreased from 9.9 and 12.0 % to 0.8 and 3.6 % for 35 and 65 % relative humidity. Termite durability improved from level 4 to level 3 of attack, and higher termite mortality was found in treated wood (52 % against 17 %). Bending strength (MOR) increased with paraffin weight gain, reaching a 39 % increase. MOE also increased by about 13 % for wood with a weight gain around 80 %. Janka hardness increased significantly reaching about 40 % for wood with 80 % weight gain. Paraffin impregnated wood has improved properties with regard to equilibrium moisture content, dimensional stability and density, bending strength and Janka hardness, and resistance against termites.     

Model predicted and CT scanned moisture distribution in aPinus radiata board during drying

Pinus radiata sapwood boards of 100 × 40 × 1200 mm were dried in a tube dryer at Luleå University, using a computer tomography (CT) scanner to scan the wood during drying. The CT-scanned wet wood density can illustrate moisture distribution within wood when the wood basic density profile is known. The CT-scanned results were used to validate a 2-D single board drying model developed at the New Zealand Forest Research Institute. The validation has shown that the model is not only capable of predicting the average moisture content but also moisture content gradients in board thickness, width and within growth rings. To investigate the effects of sawing pattern and intrinsic wood properties on drying, the input parameters for the model include within-ring variations of wood density, green moisture content and wood permeability. The model can assist in understanding the causes of some drying defects and has potential for the development of drying schedules.     

Wood–water relations of chestnut wood used for structural purposes

Hygroscopic properties and water vapour permeability of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) wood were studied using saturated salt solutions, and the results were analyzed using the Hailwood–Horrobin model. At 20 °C/65 % the equilibrium moisture content (MC _eq ) and density were 11.5 ± 0.1 % and 576.6 ± 10.2 kg m^?3, respectively, and the fiber saturation point was 20.83 %. The average water vapour permeability was 0.320 kg m^?1 s^?1 Pa^?110⁸, lower than that of Radiata pine (0.726 kg m^?1 s^?1 Pa^?110⁸). Furthermore, there was no difference in permeability between tangential and radial cuts. This low permeability is explained by the scant development of the multilayer of the Hailwood–Horrobin model. This is attributed to the wood extractives, which reduce the void space and hindered condensation. Chestnut wood has different vapour sorption and vapour permeability than conifers normally used in construction.     

Untersuchungen zu Diffusionsvorgängen in mehrschichtigen Massivholzplatten

Multilayer solid wood spruce panels with different glueing and structure type were tested for water vapor diffusion for a wet climate (relative humidity ranging from 100% to 65% at 20°C) and for a dry climate (relative humidity ranging from 0% and 65% at 20°C). Results showed that the water vapor diffusion resistance for the dry climate is distinctly higher in comparison to the wet climate. The water vapor diffusion resistance is stronger related to the number of glue layers per panel thickness than to the type of adhesive. The average moisture content of the panels in a wet climate was 20%. If one considers a water saturation point of 28% (spruce wood) on the wet side, and 12% moisture content on the dry side (normal climate) of the panel a linear moisture gradient can be expected. Since the average moisture content of the solid wood panels was about 11.3% in a dry climate, and thus corresponding approximately to the equilibrium moisture content of spruce wood exposed to normal climate, the partial pressure gradient on equilibrium caused water uptake corresponding to the normal moisture content for spruce wood.     

Influence of woodworking machine cutting parameters on the surrounding air dustiness

From epidemiological studies experts conclude that wood workers are subjected to an increased health risk of nose and nasal cavity cancer under the influence of oak- and beech-wood dust. That is why, pursuant to Croatian regulations, the limit mass concentration for oak- and beech-wood respirable dust is 1 mg/m³ and for total dust 3 mg/m³. In this study the dustiness of the air surrounding woodworking machines has been researched in two woodworking companies, furniture factory and carpentry. Sampling of respirable and total wood dust from the surrounding air was carried out during workday by the method of personal samplers fixed on workers suit and then the daily dose of workers exposure was determined. Measured mass concentrations exceeded the Croatian limit values: in the furniture factory 16% of samples for respirable dust and 18% for total dust and in the carpentry 38% for respirable dust and 65% of all samples for total dust. In the furniture factory, mass concentration of respirable particles was higher near the belt sander than near the circular saws. At the workplaces of these woodworking machines higher mass concentration of respirable and total wood dust was measured than in the air around other machines, such as spindle moulder, band saw and jointer. In the carpentry mass concentration of respirable particles near the circular saws was significantly higher than near the jointer or lamello router. The highest share of respirable particles in total wood dust are recorded at the workplaces with low concentration of total wood dust and around machines with cutting parameters achieve the lowest value of chip thickness.     

Properties of one-layer experimental particleboards from willow (Salix viminalis) and industrial wood particles

The objective of this study was to investigate some mechanical and physical properties of one-layer particleboards made from various willow (Salix viminalis) and industrial pine wood particle mixtures bonded with urea formaldehyde resin. Modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture decreased, whereas internal bond and screw holding strengths increased with increasing willow particle content. The decrease in bending properties was rather small; these properties of particleboards containing 50 % willow particles were on average smaller by about 10 % than particleboards containing only industrial wood particles. Increasing the willow particle content resulted in improved water absorption and thickness swelling. The willow Salix viminalis can be considered as a substitute for pine wood for manufacturing of particleboards.     

Moisture-dependent physical properties of dried pomegranate arils

Physical properties of dried pomegranate arils and its variation with moisture content play an important role in designing of equipment for storage, conveying and handling. Physical properties of dried pomegranate arils in the moisture content range of 7–28 % (d.b.) were investigated. Size (GMD), sphericity, weight of the thousand dried arils, true density, bulk density, angle of repose and coefficient of friction at different surfaces (wood, galvanized iron and aluminum) increased, whereas porosity, hardness and toughness decreased with increase in the moisture content. All physical properties except porosity and angle of repose were significantly affected by the change in moisture content at probability level p ≤ 0.01.     

Cutting forces in bandsaw processing of oak and beech wood as affected by wood moisture content and cutting directions

Cutting forces in bandsaw processing of oak and beech wood were measured at two levels of wood moisture content (about 12 % and FSP) for four cutting directions (90°–90°, 90°–0°, 0°–90° and 90°–45°). A constant cutting speed of 40 m/s and a feed rate of 20 m/min were applied. A piezoelectric dynamometer (KISTLER type 9257A) mounted on the carriage of the vertical bandsaw machine (ESTERER model EB 1400) was used to measure the parallel, normal and lateral cutting forces. Results revealed that all cutting forces depend on the wood moisture content and cutting direction. The greatest parallel force was observed for oak wood at 12 % MC for 90°–90° cutting direction (44 N/mm) whereas the lowest one was for beech wood at 30 % MC for 0°–90° cutting direction (20 N/mm). In contrast to the little change of lateral force at various cutting directions, the change in parallel force was significant.     

Density and moisture content forecasting based on X-ray computed tomography

X-ray computed tomography (CT) technology was applied for log nondestructive testing. The heartwood and sapwood of Larix gmelinii (Dahurian Larch) were scanned by CT system. The appropriate mathematical formulas between wood density and CT number were established for heartwood and sapwood respectively, because of the close relationship between wood density and CT number. The formulas between moisture content and CT number for heartwood and sapwood were built through experiment. The results indicate that though the differences of density and moisture content between heartwood and sapwood of L. gmelinii were not obvious, heartwood and sapwood had different formulas of forecasting wood density and moisture content by CT. The fitted relationships were very strong (coefficient of determination R² > 0.94).     

Moisture-Dependent Physical Properties of Kola Nut (Cola nitida) Seed

This study was carried out to determine the effect of moisture content on some physical properties of kola nut seed. Four moisture levels ranging from 47.48 to 61.4 % wet basis (w.b.) was considered. Results showed that there was linear increase in the mean length, width, thickness, geometric mean diameter, surface area, volume, sphericity, aspect ratio, 1,000 nut mass, bulk and true densities, and static coefficient of friction at different surfaces (mild steel and wood) by 3.58, 3.96, 6.29, 4.98, 10.72, 16.87, 1.54, 1.50, 26.23, 11.50, 7.27, and 17.86 to 23.53 %, respectively, with increase in moisture content from 47.48 to 61.4 % (w.b.). Furthermore, the angle of repose increased by 17.45 % while the porosity decreased by 3.85 % with increase in moisture content.     

Investigation of drying characteristics in superheated steam drying of UF-impregnated Chinese fir

Urea formaldehyde (UF) resin-impregnated Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.)Hook.) was dried at different temperatures in an atmospheric pressure superheated steam dryer. Drying characteristics, moisture content, drying rate, temperature profile, drying defects, and color change were investigated. The moisture content was reduced from 66.21 to 11.79% within 30 h without causing severe drying defects; in contrast, the conventional hot air process required 7–8 days. After 25 h of drying, the temperatures at both the center and the surface of wood remained stable. After 34.5 h, the surface temperature gradually approached the steam temperature. The color of the superheated steam dried Chinese fir appeared slightly more intense yellow and red than the control. Investigation of the UF-impregnated Chinese fir wood by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the majority of the lumens and voids, including the microvoids in wood structure, was filled with urea formaldehyde resin.     

Effects of Wood Particle Size and Mixing Ratios of HDPE on the Properties of the Composites

The main goal of this research is to innovate wood-plastic composites by using various wood particle sizes and different mixture ratios (weight ratio) of HDPE (High Density Polyethylene). After mixing the wood particles (recycled wood waste) and the plastic powder, we use a molding and pressing process to make composites with a thickness of 12 mm. By doing so, the wood particle content can be increased to 75%. This kind of composite provides excellent dimensional stability, its moisture content is under 2.5%, and the thickness swelling rate after 24 hr water absorption is under 7.5%. The maximum static bending strength of this composite reaches 20.7 N/mm², and is better than that of general commercial particleboards. The composite made of larger sized wood particles has better strength properties. In addition, when the plastic content ratio increases, the dimensional stability of the composite will increase as well. After the soaking process in boiling water, the static bending strength of wet composite remained at 50%; this shows the good weather resistance of the composite. The surface veneer overlaid peeling strength of the composite showed 1.02–1.63 N/mm. After the evaluation of processing, cost of material and strength properties of the composite, we would suggest that the use of 70% of wood particles and 30% of plastic powder is practical to produce proper sized composites.     

Surface roughness in sapwood and heartwood of Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon R. Br.) machined in 90-0 direction

The resulting surface roughness is studied for Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) during peripheral milling of sapwood and heartwood samples. It is known that the surface roughness is sensitive to a change in cutting conditions, tool wear, cutting geometry and direction change, but also when some material parameters vary like the species, moisture content and wood density. The bite or better the mean chip thickness is strongly related to the resulting surface quality as well as to the needed cutting forces, whereas other studies have shown these relationships with regard to changing cutting conditions. The aim of this paper is to evaluate and quantify the resulting surface roughness for Acacia melanoxylon considering a change in the mean chip thickness for both types of wood: sapwood and heartwood, and to evaluate the results considering changes in the rotational speed and the feed speed.     

Influence of pressing parameters on dimensional stability and density of compressed beech wood

European beech (Fagus sylvatica) wood specimens were subjected to thermo-mechanical densification, and the influence of pressing parameters on dimensional stability, mean density and density profiles was evaluated. The specimens with two initial moisture contents, 18% and the fibre saturation point, were compressed by 20 and 40% at temperatures of 160, 180, 200, and 220 °C for several times, specified in the Methods, ranging from 6 to 12 min. Dimensional changes were observed immediately after the removal from the hot press and subsequent conditioning (20 °C, 65% relative humidity). The properties of the compressed beech wood were influenced by all the pressing parameters. This influence, however, varied based on the factor and property. The analysis showed as most appropriate: an initial moisture content ranging from 17 to 20%, a pressing temperature?≥?180 °C and pressing time?≥?10 min for the given thickness. As for the compression degree, it is necessary to consider the purpose of compression and the wood properties required.     

Untersuchungen zum Einfluss des Plattenaufbaus auf ausgewählte Eigenschaften von Massivholzplatten

The coefficient of thermal conductivity, the equilibrium moisture content, the in-plane swelling and the water vapour resistance of laboratory-produced three-layer solid wood panels of Norway spruce wood were tested. The coefficient of thermal conductivity is in the range of 0.09–0.11 W/m·K in normal climate. The voids in the middle layer (slots, spaces between the lamellas) cause a slight decrease of the coefficient of thermal conductivity. The orientation of the growth rings has an effect on the thermal conductivity as well. The water vapour resistance is affected by the orientation of the growth rings in the layers and the voids in the middle layer. The equilibrium moisture content above a relative humidity of 35% is slightly below the one of solid spruce wood. The equilibrium moisture content of solid wood panels with a middle layer of wood-based material is smaller because of its lower equilibrium moisture content compared with solid wood.     

An economical treatment schedule for boron impregnation of Eucalyptus grandis wood: Commercial trial of partially dried material

Being non-durable, Eucalyptus grandis wood needs treatment with preservative chemicals. As vacuum-pressure impregnation treatment being more suitable for commercial applications, and boron chemicals being environment-friendly for indoor uses, an economical treatment schedule (15 minutes initial vacuum of -85 kPa followed by a pressure of 1300 kPa for 15 minutes and a final vacuum of -85 kPa for 5 minutes) developed at the Kerala Forest Research Institute was tested for its commercial suitability for treating E. grandis wood with boron chemicals. A pooled mean dry salt retention (DSR) of 7.7 kg m ^-3 was achieved for wood in partially dried condition with average moisture content of around 32%, using a 6% boric acid equivalent (BAE) solution. This confirms the success of the schedule for commercial application, as the DSR achieved is much higher than the standard specification of many countries.     

Softwood heating in radio frequency fields

The aim of this study was to investigate the heating rate of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and western red cedar (Thuja plicata) during radio frequency (RF) heating. Wood specimens (40 × 150 × 1000 mm³) with various moisture content and power density were heated using a laboratory size RF dryer at a frequency of 40.7 MHz, until shell temperature reached 56?°C that is approved as a lethal temperature for phytosanitation. Heating rate was positively correlated with power density and negatively correlated with moisture content. The ratio of heating rate to power density had a negative correlation with moisture content and density in both pine and cedar. The regression lines for moisture content had good coefficient of determination (R ²) values of 0.63 and 0.61?°C?m³/min kW (pine), 0.50 and 0.55?°C?m³/min kW (red cedar) in both shell and core, respectively. The results demonstrate that the ratio of heating rate to power density is a useful parameter to estimate heating rate. The derived empirical equations made possible the calculation of the heating rate within test conditions applied to this study. The initial temperature rise in shell and core allowed a rather accurate determination of local power density. One dimensional mathematical model to describe the heating rate of wood during RF heating that was derived from the governing heat transfer equation combined with internal heat generation was developed and verified. The model using local power density had high R ² of 0.71 and 0.93 in both shell and core, respectively, indicating that the model was able to predict heating rate of wood with various moisture content under the known power density distribution.     

Phytosanitary treatment of European pallets by microwave: developing a program to ensure compliance with ISPM 15 and monitoring its efficacy on the house longhorn beetle (Hylotrupes bajulus L.)

Microwave heating was recently approved by the FAO as a significantly effective phytosanitary treatment for wood packaging material. According to ISPM 15 (FAO 2009), the target organisms are eradicated if a temperature higher than 60 °C is maintained for 60 s across the entire profile of the board (i.e. 60 °C/60 s). A study using pallet boards was carried out in order to set up a treatment program that would meet ISPM 15 requirements in terms of wood temperature and insect mortality. A 4 m-long industrial tunnel oven (maximum power of 28.8 kW) was used to carry out the experiments. Temperature was measured by means of a VarioCAM^® infrared camera. The most relevant results found were: (i) achieving a mean temperature of 63.2 °C (Populus sp.) or 64.8 °C (Pinus sylvestris L.) on the upper surface of 22 mm-thick boards enabled compliance with FAO requirements (i.e. 60 °C/60 s), whatever the moisture content, basic density and initial temperature of the wood (provided the latter exceeded 0 °C); (ii) larvae >150 mg represented the most microwave-resistant life stage of Hylotrupes bajulus L.; (iii) the mortality rate of the larvae was influenced by the moisture content of the boards. Using the Gompertz model, the upper surface temperature was estimated that would be needed to achieve a 99.99683 % mortality rate (the Probit 9 mortality level of efficacy) for the most microwave-resistant life stage of H. bajulus. This temperature was estimated to be 46.8 and 57 °C for wood with >50 and <25 % moisture content, respectively.