Kiln Drying Properties of Red-bud Maple (Acer trautvetteri Medw.) Lumber

The objective of this study was to determine the kiln-drying behavior of naturally-grown red-bud maple (Acer trautvetteri Medw.) lumber. This study focused on two conventional drying approaches applying protective and non-protective schedules. The drying time (from 70% initial to 8% final moisture contents) and lumber quality for two schedules that determined according to the classification of European Drying Group (EDG 1992) compared. Drying time of protective and non-protective schedules found 779 and 582 hours, respectively. In terms of nonprotective drying quality; S (Standard) quality level was obtained based on the slope and target final moisture contents and drying tensions, E quality level was achieved based on collapse which was determined for 15% of the samples. Deformations (warp) such as cupping, bowing and crooking observed in all samples, and cross-section and surface splits were also observed for all samples, which was indicated S quality level. On the other hand protective schedule resulted in a better drying quality. E (Exclusive) quality level was obtained according to target final moisture content and slope moisture content. E quality level was achieved according to drying tensions in first measurement and Q quality class was achieved in second measurement. Collapse, discolorations, splits and warps such as bowing, crooking and twisting were not occurred. Consequently, acceptable results obtained with nonprotective schedule. But, to obtain better quality protective drying schedules should be applied for kiln drying of redbud maple lumber.