Hydromechanical behavior of wood during drying studied by NIR spectroscopy and image analysis

Abstract The physical properties of wood are important parameters to qualify the material. However, as it is a heterogeneous material, moisture content and wood contractions may vary within the sample. Thus, the objective was to monitor the hydromechanical behavior of wood during drying using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and image analysis. Equidistant points were marked on the radial surface of a wooden board and NIR spectra were recorded at each marking during drying of the piece. After spectral acquisition in each drying step, images were obtained and the markings were referenced to monitor contractions during drying. Moisture content (MC) estimates via NIR spectra showed strong correlation with reference values (R2cv = 0.92, RMSEcv = 9.82 %). From the estimates it was possible to generate graphic images to visualize and quantify the spatial variation of MC and shrinkage during wood drying. In the initial stages of drying, the ends of the material showed high moisture in relation to the center of the sample. However, MC loss was 11 % greater at the ends of the wood board when compared to its interior while the shrinkage in external zones was 3 times greater than the internal part. The use of NIR technique associated with image analysis can be a promising tool for estimating moisture contents and contractions in wood.