Using Gamma Radiation to Measure Density Gradients in Reconstituted Wood Products

The processing of wood particle, fiber, and flake products by pressing of a felted mat generally results in a density gradient from one surface of the product to the other. Measurement of density gradients through the thickness of a pressed wood products has traditionally been performed through calculation of volume and weight changes of specimens which are incrementally planed on each surface. This technique is time consuming, has limited resolution, and destroys the specimen. The primary objective of this study was to develop and test a simple and fast method of determining material density gradients to replace the tedious planing (or sanding), weighing, and thickness measurement technique. Density gradients were determined by incrementally measuring the amount of radiation (from an Americium 241 source) which passed through a sample. The influence of adhesives and moisture on the radiation attenuation was investigated, as well as definition of the mass attenuation coefficient for cellulosic materials.

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