DRYING TECHNOLOGY ISSUES IN TROPICAL COUNTRIES

Improved utilization of tropical species can help increase economic value of the forest and thus improve the chances of sustainable management. Drying is one key step in processing wood products, and a solution to drying problems will help establish economic value for many tropical species. Several issues and possible research areas are discussed. General issues of basic versus applied research and size of industry users should be considered in selecting research topics. The appropriate matching of kiln technology and economics to the wide range of industry size, needs, and financial resources is important. There is a need for development and refinement of kiln schedules, including methods for grouping the large number of tropical species by similar drying characteristics. Plantation species may pose special problems, because they do not have a long history of utilization for wood products or have altered properties because of their plantation origins. Fungal stains that develop before drying are especially troublesome in the tropics.