Impact of internal structure on water-resistance of plywood studied using neutron radiography and X-ray tomography

Published Date
30 December 2014, Vol.73:171–179, doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.09.095

Author 

• Wanzhao Li ^a,b,,
• Jan Van den Bulcke ^a,b
• David Mannes ^c
• Eberhard Lehmann ^c
• Imke De Windt ^a,b
• Manuel Dierick ^b
• Joris Van Acker ^a,b

• aGhent University, Department of Forest and Water Management, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
• bUGCT, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University Ghent Centre for X-ray Tomography, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
• cPaul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Villigen 5234, Switzerland

Received 22 April 2014. Revised 10 September 2014. Accepted 24 September 2014. Available online 15 October 2014. 

Highlights

• We use neutron radiography to measure the water transport in plywood and solid wood.
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  We use X-ray CT to investigate the internal structure of the samples.
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  Moisture transport behaviour of plywood is analysed based on its internal structure.
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  Apart from wood, veneer checks and gaps also influence water resistance of plywood.
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  Adhesive and grain direction of the veneers impact moisture resistance of plywood.

Abstract 

To improve water resistance of plywood, a detailed understanding of the moisture dynamics of plywood and related solid wood is essential. Neutron radiography and X-ray CT were used to monitor water transport and the internal micro-structure respectively. Compared with solid wood, water uptake and release of plywood is, apart from wood species, also influenced by veneer checks and gaps between veneers. Type of adhesive and grain direction of veneers also play a crucial role. According to the findings of this paper and practical requirements, more water resistant plywood can be produced when taking into account abovementioned factors.

Keywords

Neutron radiography

X-ray tomography

Water resistance

Wood structure

Plywood

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  Corresponding author at: Ghent University, Department of Forest and Water Management, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.

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