Drying of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus nitens) is a demanding process, as this species is very susceptible to drying defects due to its inherent properties. We performed convectional kiln drying of 27 mm and 47 mm thick specimens at temperatures between 25 °C and 90 °C, at an equilibrium moisture content of 16 % and an air velocity of 1 m/s. Drying kinetics and the development of drying defects were continuously monitored with a medical X-ray CT scanner. We studied the development of surface checking and collapse, and with the help of CT-number we determined the moisture content of wood according to the Watanabe method. CT scans confirmed that slow drying at low temperature reduce the extent and prolongs the development time of internal cell collapse and surface checking.
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