Moisture Conditioning of Wood and Wood-Based Materials: Standard Guide For
Moisture Conditioning of Wood and Wood-Based Materials: Standard Guide For
Moisture Conditioning of Wood and Wood-Based Materials: Standard Guide For
for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D4933 − 16
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3.2.1 hysteresis—the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) 5.4 Conditioning Chamber—The chamber in which speci-
that wood attains at any given relative humidity and tempera- mens are conditioned should be monitored for constant tem-
ture depends upon the direction from which the EMC is perature and humidity conditions. If aqueous solutions (satu-
approached. During desorption, the EMC will be higher rated salts, glycerin, or sulfuric acid) are to be used, follow the
(sometimes by several percent moisture content) than during procedure described in Practice E104. Commonly used satu-
adsorption. The analog of the magnetic hysteresis curve has rated salt solutions are given in Table X2.1.
been used to describe this phenomenon. Furthermore, the EMC NOTE 1—If such solutions are used, precautions must be taken to assure
during a portion of the initial desorption from the never-dried that the specimens do not overly depress (or raise) the RH conditions. This
condition may be higher than those in any subsequent desorp- can be tested by adding an equivalent dummy volume of specimens and
tion cycle. observing how RH is affected. An RH sensor or simple mechanical
3.2.1.1 Discussion—For relative humidities between 10 and hygrometer can show relative effects on RH.
85 % and within a broad range of temperatures, the hysteresis 6. Procedure
ratio (absorption MC/desorption MC) is approximately 0.85.
6.1 Specimens—Weigh an appropriate number of specimens
3.2.2 time constant—the time required for a physical quan-
periodically to determine when equilibrium is reached. No
tity to (a) rise from 0 to 1 − 1 ⁄ e (that is, 63.2 %) of its final
strict number of specimens can be established because the
steady value when it varies with time, t, as 1 − e−kt, or (b) fall
intent of the test will determine how critical sampling should
to 1/e (that is, 36.8 %) of its initial value when it varies with
be. A guideline would be to include enough samples for a
time, t, as e−kt ((2)).
statistical analysis. The specimens should be uniformly distrib-
3.2.2.1 Discussion—When applying the concept of time
uted throughout the conditioning chamber. Consideration
constant to moisture conditioning, the “initial value” is the
should also be given to selecting samples that are representa-
initial MC of the specimen and the“ final value” is the EMC
tive of the material of interest.
that would be attained with extended exposure. One time
constant is the time period from the start of exposure to the NOTE 2—Typical conditioning time required for 20-mm thick and
point of MC that is 63.2 % of the change between initial and 100-mm wide end-coated solid wood specimens, initially at equilibrium at
50 % RH and 20°C, and exposed to 90 % RH at 20°C, is 60 days. As a rule
final values. This applies in adsorption or desorption. The use of thumb, required conditioning time is proportional to the square of ratio
of the time constant in conditioning is explained in 6.4.1.1. of thickness. A similar specimen of 40 mm thickness, therefore, would
equilibrate in about 240 days; a 10-mm one in about 15 days.
4. Significance and Use
6.2 Specimen Moisture Content—A decision must be made
4.1 Many physical and mechanical properties of wood and concerning whether adsorption or desorption (or both) values
wood-based materials change in response to the environmental are to be obtained. This may require preconditioning before the
equilibrium moisture content, and any comparison of these desired exposure. By using the relationship in the discussion
properties must take moisture content into account. A consis- under hysteresis, an appropriate precondition MC can be
tent base for comparison among different test samples and selected (below or above the EMC condition for adsorption or
different laboratories is necessary. Shrinkage and dimensional desorption MC, respectively).
change in particular are dependent on moisture content, and
tests involving their measurement must be conducted with 6.3 Specimen Preparation:
good equilibrium moisture content control. Conditioning can 6.3.1 If small specimens are used to represent larger or
also be important in industrial settings where there are opti- full-size specimens, coat the appropriate edges or ends of the
mum moisture content levels for many products and processes, specimens, or both, to obtain moisture content distributions
and conformance to these levels can reduce losses in quality that are typical of larger specimens. Coating is necessary also
and yield. when using small specimens to determine the conditioning
time requirement for larger specimens.
5. Apparatus 6.3.2 Stacking—Stack with spacers so that adjacent surfaces
5.1 Hygrometers, Psychrometers—The accuracy of hygrom- are separated.
eters and psychrometers should be within the range of required 6.4 Equilibrium Determination—The rate of moisture con-
RH control, which depends on the desired level of EMC tent changes during conditioning is approximately exponential,
control. that is, rapid changes early in conditioning are followed by a
5.2 Thermometers—Thermometers to measure air tempera- gradual decrease in rate of change. As equilibrium is
ture should be capable of measuring temperature within approached, the mass change becomes very slow. One of the
one-half of the temperature control requirement (see Section greater potentials for error in conditioning tests is interpretation
8). Thermometers used in psychrometers for determining of slow mass changes as equilibrium. There are several
relative humidity (see 5.1) must have an accuracy which is approaches to endpoint determination, all of which require
consistent with the required sensitivity. This sensitivity can be some judgment.
determined from analyzing the tables which convert measured NOTE 3—If one knew the exact final EMC that samples would attain, it
temperatures to relative humidities. would be easy to determine the endpoint. Because of variability in the
EMC-relative humidity relationship and the lack of initial dry mass data
5.3 Weighing Device—A balance is required to weigh speci- that often occurs, this approach is seldom exact. Knowledge of approxi-
mens with an accuracy that will allow measurement of the mate final EMC, however, can still be a useful guideline. A specified
EMC within the desired limits (see Test Methods D4442). percentage change in mass over some specified time period could also be
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D4933 − 16
used in endpoint determination. Such changes, however, are only relative, the conditioning test. Unless some other method can establish
and there is no real basis for establishing exact percentages. Individual a more exact endpoint, the reversal of direction of mass change
experiences with repetitive conditioning tests may, however, lead to more
useful guidelines.
can be used for endpoint determination. A minimum of three
reversals is recommended.
6.4.1 Periodic Weighings—Weigh the specimens periodi-
cally to establish a record of mass change so that judgments on 7. Calculation
equilibrium can be made. A general guideline is: frequent 7.1 Calculate moisture content as described in Test Methods
weighings early in conditioning (perhaps once or twice a day), D4442.
followed by a gradual increase in time between weighings, and
ending with periods possibly up to several weeks. A geometric 8. Report
progression in time is recommended. The trend is clearer in a 8.1 Report the method of relative humidity control, the level
plot of specimen mass versus logarithm of time. A significant of EMC control specified, temperature, initial and final mois-
change in linearity connotes an approach to equilibrium. ture contents, a summary of the results of the periodic
6.4.1.1 The plotted data can be analyzed for the time to weighings, a statement of how endpoint was determined, and
equilibrium; equilibrium is usually assumed to occur in 4 or 5 whether the value of MC is for adsorption or desorption.
time constants. Although actual equilibrium mass is usually
greater than calculated, it will not cause appreciable error in the 9. Precision and Bias
time constant. In any case, the time constant can be recalcu- 9.1 The precision of measurements will depend on the
lated to adjust the prediction. The relationship between time desired precision of resulting moisture content which depends
constant and the proximity to the final value is: largely on the requirements of the user. Industrial quality
Time Constant Percentage of Change control, for example, usually will not require as precise control
1 63.2
of EMC as a scientific test.
2 86
NOTE 5—The major controllable variable that influences EMC is
3 95
4 98 relative humidity. Thus, a user specifying that EMC should be controlled
5 99 within certain limits is also, in effect, specifying the RH should be
controlled within certain limits. Furthermore, the effect of RH control on
NOTE 4—The following examples demonstrate the calculation of time EMC control is not constant with levels of RH. At high RH levels, much
constant for specimens either increasing or decreasing toward equilibrium: closer control of RH is required for a given level of EMC control than at
(a) Initial MC: 6 %; EMC: 18 % (assumed to be the final value). The MC value lower levels. Similarly, temperature has an effect on EMC, and tempera-
at one time constant is the initial value (6 %) plus 0.632 of the difference ture variations, even at constant RH, cause EMC to vary. The temperature
between initial and final values: MCtc = MCi + 0.632 (MCf − MCi) = 6 + 0.632 effect, however, is much smaller than the effect of RH. Figs. X1.1 and
(18 − 6) = 13.6 %. The MC at two time constants is 16.4 %, etc. X1.2 (3) give the degree of RH control necessary to control EMC of solid
wood and composites within four different levels (60.25, 60.50, 61.0,
(b) Initial MC: 18 %; EMC: 6 % (reverse of conditions in (a)): and6 2.0 % MC). For example, to control EMC of solid wood within
MCtc = MCi + 0.632 (MCf − MCi) = 18 + 0.632 (6 − 18) = 10.4 %. The MC at two
61 % moisture content at 30 % RH and 27°C, it is necessary to control
time constants is 7.6 %, etc. Either mass or moisture content can be used in
the above relationships. within 66 % RH (Fig. X1.1). Fig. X1.3 gives the degree of temperature
control necessary to maintain EMC of solid wood and wood-base
6.4.2 Endpoint Fluctuations—In practice, relative humidity materials within 60.25 % MC at a number of relative humidities. For
control is not exact, and regular or irregular fluctuations occur example, at 75 % RH and 49°C, temperature must be maintained within
over time. Since the fluctuations are usually small relative to 63.3°C to maintain EMC control within 60.25 % MC. It should be
emphasized that the control levels of Figs. X1.1-X1.3 require that the
the total change that a conditioning specimen will experience, other variable, temperature or relative humidity, be held constant. ISO
a steady increase or decrease in mass will occur during most of 554, X1.1, provides guidelines for ordinary and close tolerances for both
the conditioning period. As the specimen approaches very temperature and relative humidity.
close to equilibrium, the fluctuations in relative humidity begin
to affect the periodic weighings. The direction of mass change 10. Keywords
may begin to change randomly, which is a reliable sign that 10.1 equilibrium moisture content; moisture conditioning;
equilibrium has been reached within the practical limitations of moisture content; wood; wood-based materials
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D4933 − 16
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
Included in the appendix are equations and tables to determine nominal EMC values (see the Discussion in 3.1.2).
2 G K1 =
K2 =
6.27 − 0.00938T − 0.000303T2,
1.91 + 0.0407T − 0.000293T 2,
and:
T = temperature (°C),
h = relative humidity (fractional),
M = moisture content (%).
0 1.4 2.6 3.7 4.6 5.5 6.3 7.1 7.9 8.7 9.5 10.4 11.3 12.4 13.5 14.9 16.5 18.5 21.0 24.3 26.9
10 1.4 2.6 3.6 4.6 5.5 6.3 7.1 7.9 8.7 9.5 10.3 11.2 12.3 13.4 14.8 16.4 18.4 20.9 24.3 26.9
20 1.3 2.5 3.6 4.5 5.4 6.2 7.0 7.7 8.5 9.3 10.1 11.0 12.0 13.1 14.5 16.0 18.0 20.5 23.9 26.6
30 1.2 2.4 3.4 4.3 5.2 6.0 6.7 7.5 8.2 9.0 9.8 10.6 11.6 12.7 14.0 15.5 17.5 20.0 23.4 26.1
40 1.1 2.2 3.2 4.1 5.0 5.7 6.4 7.2 7.9 8.6 9.4 10.2 11.1 12.2 13.4 15.0 16.9 19.3 22.7 25.5
50 1.0 2.1 3.0 3.9 4.7 5.4 6.1 6.8 7.5 8.2 8.9 9.7 10.6 11.6 12.8 14.3 16.1 18.6 21.9 24.6
60 0.9 1.9 2.8 3.6 4.3 5.0 5.7 6.3 7.0 7.7 8.4 9.1 10.0 11.0 12.2 13.6 15.4 17.7 21.0 23.7
70 0.8 1.7 2.5 3.2 4.0 4.6 5.3 5.9 6.5 7.2 7.8 8.6 9.4 10.3 11.5 12.8 14.5 16.8 20.0 22.6
80 0.7 1.4 2.2 2.9 3.6 4.2 4.8 5.4 6.0 6.6 7.3 8.0 8.8 9.7 10.7 12.0 13.7 15.9 19.0 21.6
90 0.6 1.2 1.9 2.5 3.1 3.7 4.3 4.8 5.4 6.0 6.6 7.3 8.1 8.9 10.0 11.2 12.8 14.9 17.9 20.4
100 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.1 2.6 3.2 3.7 4.2 4.8 5.4 6.0 6.6 7.3 8.2 9.2 10.4 11.9 13.9 16.8 19.2
110 0.3 0.8 1.2 1.6 2.1 2.6 3.0 3.5 4.1 4.6 5.2 5.8 6.5 * * * * * * *
120 0.2 0.5 0.8 1.1 1.4 1.8 2.2 2.6 3.1 * * * * * * * * * * *
130 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.7 * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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TABLE X1.2 EMC Data for Solid Wood
Tem- Relative Humidity (%)
pera-
ture
(°F) 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 98
30 1.4 2.6 3.7 4.6 5.5 6.3 7.1 7.9 8.7 9.5 10.4 11.3 12.4 13.6 14.9 16.5 18.5 21.0 24.3 26.9
40 1.4 2.6 3.7 4.6 5.5 6.3 7.1 7.9 8.7 9.5 10.4 11.3 12.4 13.5 14.9 16.5 18.5 21.0 24.4 27.0
50 1.4 2.6 3.6 4.6 5.5 6.3 7.1 7.9 8.7 9.5 10.3 11.2 12.3 13.4 14.8 16.4 18.4 20.9 24.3 26.9
60 1.3 2.5 3.6 4.6 5.4 6.3 7.0 7.8 8.6 9.4 10.2 11.1 12.1 13.3 14.6 16.2 18.2 20.7 24.1 26.8
70 1.3 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.4 6.2 6.9 7.7 8.5 9.2 10.1 11.0 12.0 13.1 14.4 16.0 18.0 20.5 23.9 26.6
80 1.3 2.4 3.5 4.4 5.3 6.1 6.8 7.6 8.3 9.1 9.9 10.8 11.8 12.9 14.2 15.7 17.7 20.2 23.6 26.3
90 1.2 2.4 3.4 4.3 5.1 5.9 6.7 7.4 8.1 8.9 9.7 10.6 11.5 12.6 13.9 15.4 17.4 19.9 23.3 26.0
100 1.2 2.3 3.3 4.2 5.0 5.8 6.5 7.2 7.9 8.7 9.5 10.3 11.2 12.3 13.6 15.1 17.0 19.5 22.9 25.6
110 1.1 2.2 3.2 4.0 4.9 5.6 6.3 7.0 7.7 8.5 9.2 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.2 14.7 16.6 19.1 22.5 25.2
120 1.1 2.1 3.0 3.9 4.7 5.4 6.1 6.8 7.5 8.2 8.9 9.8 10.7 11.7 12.9 14.4 16.2 18.6 22.0 24.7
130 1.0 2.0 2.9 3.7 4.5 5.2 5.9 6.6 7.3 7.9 8.7 9.5 10.3 11.3 12.5 14.0 15.8 18.2 21.5 24.2
140 0.9 1.9 2.8 3.6 4.3 5.0 5.7 6.3 7.0 7.7 8.4 9.1 10.0 11.0 12.2 13.6 15.4 17.7 21.0 23.7
150 0.9 1.8 2.6 3.4 4.1 4.8 5.5 6.1 6.7 7.4 8.1 8.8 9.7 10.6 11.8 13.2 14.9 17.2 20.5 23.1
160 0.8 1.6 2.4 3.2 3.9 4.6 5.2 5.8 6.5 7.1 7.8 8.5 9.3 10.3 11.4 12.7 14.4 16.7 19.9 22.6
170 0.7 1.5 2.3 3.0 3.7 4.3 4.9 5.6 6.2 6.8 7.4 8.2 9.0 9.9 11.0 12.3 14.0 16.2 19.3 21.9
180 0.7 1.4 2.1 2.8 3.5 4.1 4.7 5.3 5.9 6.5 7.1 7.8 8.6 9.5 10.6 11.8 13.5 15.7 18.8 21.3
190 0.6 1.3 1.9 2.6 3.2 3.8 4.4 5.0 5.6 6.1 6.8 7.5 8.2 9.1 10.1 11.4 13.0 15.1 18.2 20.7
200 0.5 1.1 1.8 2.4 3.0 3.5 4.1 4.7 5.2 5.8 6.4 7.1 7.8 8.7 9.7 10.9 12.5 14.6 17.5 20.0
210 0.5 1.0 1.6 2.1 2.7 3.2 3.8 4.3 4.9 5.4 6.0 6.7 7.4 8.3 9.2 10.5 12.0 14.0 16.9 19.3
220 0.4 0.9 1.4 1.9 2.4 2.9 3.4 3.9 4.5 5.0 5.6 6.3 7.0 7.8 8.8 9.9 * * * *
230 0.3 0.7 1.2 1.6 2.1 2.6 3.0 3.5 4.1 4.6 5.2 5.8 6.5 * * * * * * *
240 0.3 0.6 0.9 1.3 1.7 2.2 2.6 3.1 3.5 4.1 4.6 * * * * * * * * *
250 0.2 0.4 0.7 1.0 1.3 1.7 2.1 2.5 2.9 * * * * * * * * * * *
260 0.1 0.3 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.4 * * * * * * * * * * * * *
270 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.4 * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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REFERENCES
TABLE X2.1 Commonly Used Saturated Salt Solutions for Wood-Base Materials, and Nominal and Experimental Relative
Humidities (Ref (5))
Relative humidity (%) at Temperature (°C) Solubility (20°C)
Nominal RH (%) Salt
15 20 25 (g/100 mL)
10 LiCl 11.94 11.14 11.15, 11.05 78.5
20 CaBr2 17.9 143.0 (6 H2 O)
30 CaCl2 35.65 32.75 28.98 74.5 (6 H2 O)
40 NaI 40.54 39.17 37.75, 38.4 178.7 (2 H2 O)
50 Ca(NO3)2 49.97 56.39
60 NaBr 57.7 47.5
70 KI 70.96 69.84 68.76 144.0
80 KBr 82.76 81.74 80.77, 80.71 65.2
90 BaCl2 91.03 90.66 90.26, 90.19 35.7
(1) Simpson, W. T., “Predicting Equilibrium Moisture Content of Wood (6) McNatt, J. D., “Effects of Equilibrium Moisture Content Changes on
by Mathematical Models,” Wood and Fiber, Vol 5, No. 1, 1973, pp. Hardboard Properties,” Forest Products Journal, Vol 24, No. 2, 1974,
41–49. pp. 29–35.
(2) Lapedes, D. N., ed., Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, (7) Lee, W., and Biblis, E. J., “Hygroscopic Properties and Shrinkage of
McGraw-Hill, New York, 2nd ed., 1978. Southern Yellow Pine Plywood,” Wood and Fiber, Vol 8, No. 3, 1976,
(3) Simpson, W. T., “Importance of Relative Humidity and Temperature pp. 152–158.
Control in Conditioning Wood Products,” Wood and Fiber, Vol 14, (8) Suchsland, O., “Linear Hygroscopic Expansion of Selected Commer-
No. 2, 1982, pp. 94–103. cial Particleboards,” Forest Products Journal, Vol 22, No. 11, 1972,
(4) McNatt, J. D., “Buckling Due to Linear Expansion of Hardboard pp. 28–32.
Siding,” Forest Products Journal, Vol 23, No. 1, 1973, pp. 37–43.
(5) Wexler, A. (ed.), 1965, “Humidity and Moisture Measurement and
Control in Science and Industry,” Vols 1–3 . Reinhold Publishing
Corp., NY.
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