Recommendations of the Madison Conference on Fundamental Research in Wood Drying

This paper reviews the seven recommendations proposed at the title conference. Fundamental research was stressed because, while improvements have been achieved in conventional drying, we still dry wood in the same manner as we did a century or more ago: supply heat and evaporate water. Few drying innovations have emerged, and little has been learned of the basic relationships between water and wood. It was recognized that new and apparently impractical approaches could lead to problem solutions. The recommendations were to intensify or begin fundamental research pertaining to: 1) Wood permeability–a complex phenomenon but likely the best path to advancement in drying. 2) The mechanisms by which water moves and is held in wood–emphasized nondestructive methods for studying complex, cases of moisture gradients. 3) Methods of studying stress-strain behavior of wood during drying–suggested X-ray techniques, gamma rays, piezoelectric effects and internal metalectric gages. 4) Mechanical properties of wood as affected by drying conditions –new micro-techniques are needed to study microstructure, and rheological properties need more intensive examination. 5) Heat transfer and boundary layer effects — apply new techniques such as press drying and R. F. heating. 6) Chemical methods of controlling the drying process — P.E.G., solvent seasoning, vapor drying, etc. 7) Application of “unconventional” forms of energy to drying — solar, radiant, etc.

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