Alteration of Water Absorption Coefficient of Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) due to Thermal Modification

The aim of the investigations was to evaluate the infl uence of a thermal modifi cation on the water absorption behaviour of spruce (Picea abies(L.) Karst.). After recording the water uptake of wood samples by partial immersion, a water absorption coefficient of the material could be determined according to EN ISO 15148:2002. The thermal modification results in an alteration of the water absorption behaviour in dependence on the sectional area. In radial and tangential direction the water absorption decreases with the modification. In contrast, in longitudinal direction the water uptake increases.