The vibrational properties of native and thermally modified wood in dependence on its moisture content

Abstract

AbstractThe vibrational properties of spruce (Picea abies Karst.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) were investigated in this study in dependence on the relative humidity (RH). The RH was measured at 20 °C ranging from oven-dried to 85%. For the evaluation of the vibrational properties the dynamic modulus of elasticity E’ and the damping coefficient tan δ were measured at 7 climate steps. The same samples used for the vibrational tests were afterwards mildly thermally modified at 180 °C and measured at the same climate steps. Both wood species were compared and evaluated considering the property changes (E’, tan δ, sorption isotherms and volume swelling) due to the thermal modification. The chosen modification resulted in a marginal change in the vibrational properties of spruce, whereas the properties of beech were clearly changed. The vibrational properties of beech could be improved in the usual RH range (35–85%) due to this thermal modification. For spruce, it was concluded that a mild modification, conducted in this study, is not suitable for improving the vibrational properties. Further conclusions concerning the underlying causes as well as the use in musical instruments were drawn.