Effects of Organic Vapors on the Swelling of Wood and on Its Deformation Under Load

The deflection of beech beams loaded to 25 percent of ultimate load was recorded for beams located in a closed cylinder into which anhydrous solvents could be injected and removed. Strain rate was recorded as wetting by organic vapors occurred. After deflection stabilized, the vapors were removed, drying occurred, and deflections were recorded; when creep ceased, the cycle was repeated. Saturation by water, methanol, ethanol, and pyridine vapors produced considerable creep. Largest effects occurred with the more polar compounds. The data plotted suggest that, above a critical molecular size, entry into the wood substance is hindered. At this level, the effect of molecular size may become predominant, and differences in polarity, especially if they are small, may then be of only secondary importance.

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