Assessment of temperature and relative humidity conditioning performances of interior decoration materials

The purpose of this study was to explore conditioning effects on wood panels (used as interior decorative materials). We examined hourly the temperature and relative humidity (RH) in a living environment based on the data of average values from 1974 to 1990 in the Taipei area. Thirty-six interior finish materials attached to one inside surface of a 35³ cu cm simulation aluminum container were used in this study. An A/V ratio (surface area/volume) of 2.86 (m^–1) or various other values and the panel thickness had no significant effect on the room temperature changing ratio. The hygroscopic conditioning performances of these decorative materials were classified into four types in accordance with b values: type I (b > 0.0200) included four solid woods (unfinished), seven wood-based materials, three composite materials, and one inorganic material. Type II (0.0170 <b < 0.0199) included one solid wood, five wood-based materials, and two inorganic materials. Type III (0.0070 <b < 0.0169) included nine wood-based materials, and four inorganic materials. The RH changing ratio decreased curvilinearly with increasing interior decorative panel thickness and A/V values in a sealed container, whereas theb values increased with increasing interior decorative panel thickness and A/V values in a sealed container.Part of this report was presented at IUFRO All Division 5 Conference, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA, July 7–12, 1997