A simple method for determination of kinetics of radial, tangential and surface swelling of wood

The aim of this paper is to introduce an objective method for monitoring the swelling rates and the final values of swelling of hard and soft woods in the polar media. As can be concluded from the presented kinetic plots of sound and biodegraded beech wood and of mature and juvenile spruce wood, the method provides a possibility of recording the dimensional alterations of wood specimens from the first instant of their contact with polar media. The method provides the possibility of monitoring the swelling kinetics of wood within temperatures ranging between 20 and 60 oC. The data obtained by the presented method may be used for the assessment of wood behaviour in the environment with changing humidity and temperature, or in a direct contact with polar media.