The effect of steaming on equilibrium moisture content in beech wood (Fagus orientalis Lipsky)

Abstract

Steam treatment is often applied to beech wood (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) to improve the stability and permeability of the wood, obtain a desirable color, and soften the wood. This study evaluated the effect of steaming time on equilibrium moisture content (EMC) in steamed beech wood. Unsteamed and steamed (20 and 100 hr.) sapwood specimens were stored at room temperatures and the moisture contents of the specimens were determined twice a month over a 2-year period. The results showed that the EMCs of beech specimens steamed for 20 hours were lower than those of unsteamed specimens (when measured over a 2-year period) and that the EMCs of specimens steamed for 100 hours exhibited less fluctuation over the 2-year period compared to the unsteamed specimens and the 20-hour steamed specimens.