Hygroscopic Property of Heat Treated Yellow Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) Wood

In modern societies, people spend most of their time indoors and the temperature and humidity controlled by electrical appliances have a considerable effect on their emotions and health. However, improper operation of the artificial facilities frequently creates substances that are harmful to our body. The importance of controlling the natural humidity of interior materials has therefore attracted significant attention. This study was aimed at quantifying the hygroscopic property of some interior finishing wooden materials. Dried and heat-treated yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) lumbers, oriented strand board, and plywood were selected for this experiment. The moisture adsorption and desorption rates of wooden materials were measured (ISO 24353). Furthermore, the effects of morphological, physical and chemical factors, such as surface microstructure, roughness, and functional groups, on the hygroscopicity were evaluated. The results of this study should contribute to improved accuracy of hygroscopic-property assessments performed on wooden interior materials.