Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the mechano-sorptive strain produced during desorption in Eucalyptus nitens boards, in a perspective of potential drying processes of solid wood. Samples of Eucalyptus nitens boards in longitudinal, radial and tangential direction were tested. The mechano-sorptive deformation was measured in cantilever bending during desorption processes. The runs were performed in a conditioning chamber at constant low temperature and variable equilibrium moisture content. Four load levels were considered for testing. The results shown that the mechano-sorptive deformation during desorption processes was proportional to applied stress and reached the maximum value in the tangential direction. The results from this study provide information on the drying behavior of Eucalyptus nitens for performing use in solid wood.