High temperature and chemical effects on wood stability

Summary A study was made of the rigidity and stability of wood in different growth rings taken from young radiata pine trees. The stability of dried wood to moisture changes was deduced from changes in the rigidity under constant torque after wetting. Stability increased with increasing temperature and time of drying, with increasing age of the sapwood and it varied according to the origin of the tree and between trees. Evidence indicated heartwood would be more readily dried to a stable form than sapwood.The authors thank Mr. R. M. Cowan and associates, Woods and Forests Department of South Australia, Mr. R. Cherry, Australian Forest Industries, Myrtleford, the Forests Commission Victoria for material and to Dr. P. U. A. Grossman for discussion