Determination of Dimensional Stabilization of Wood Using the Water-Soak Method

Erroneous results can be obtained by the water-soak method in determination of dimensional stability that Chemically treated wood. Leaching of bulking chemicals results in a loss of dimensional Stability that can be determined only after an initial soaking cycle. After a first soaking cycle, values for percet dimensional stabilization are more realistic for those treatments where the bulking chemical has reacted with cell-wall components. Where the bulking chemical is not bound to cell-wall components, leaching during the first soaking cycle removes most of the chemical, so that in the second soaking cycle, values for percent of dimensional stability are very low. It is important that the test method used be tailored to fit the end use of the product. For products stabilized only against changes in humidity, a second soaking cycle should not be used to determine dimensional stability. Treatments that only fill cell lumens and do not bulk the cell wall result in a low degree of dimensional stability.