A Study of the Kiln-Drying of Chemically Seasoned Lumber

Salts or other chemicals are applied to lumber to improve seasoning characteristics or dimensional stability or to reduce susceptibility to fire or decay. The drying characteristics of the lumber are also altered, and this study is concerned with the effect of salt on factors which affect optimum drying conditions. Clear, straight grained, flat-sawn red oak and sodium chloride were used, the samples being dry-salted and bulk piled for periods up to 14 days. Under normal drying schedules, surface and core stress patterns were less severe for treated than for untreated stock, and it was found that treated stock can be dried safely in a shorter time if the relative humidity is reduced throughout the run. Casehardening develops in sodium chloride treated stock, even under normal schedules, but this is less severe with greater salt concentrations. Little benefit was found in using more than 150 pounds of salt per l,000 square feet of 6/4 red oak.

You must be logged in to download any documents. Please login (login accounts are free) or learn how to Become a Member