Effect of Gamma Radiation on the Toughness of Wood

Matched specimens from sapwood of yellow-poplar were subjected to four levels of gamma radiation — 0, 0.85, 0.78, and 0.92 rads x 10 to the 5th. Specimens were 1/8 by 1/2 by 4 inches and were conditioned to 9 percent moisture content before irratiation and to 12 percent before testing. Toughness tests were made and the results analysed by analysis of covariance, using trees, specific gravity, and position within the, tree as covariates. Results show that toughness was increased by low levels of radiation (the 0.85 x 10 to the 5th rad dose was associated with a 6 percent increase) but was reduced by about 28 percent by a dose of 10 rads.

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