Analysis of cell wall swelling on the basis of a cylindrical model

The relationship between inward and outward swelling of cell wall surfaces was examined. A formula was derived based on a cylindrical model of a wood cell. The equation clarifies that the slope of the swelling ratio of the whole wood versus moisture content is governed by a number of factors. This equation allows the examination of how the swelling direction of cell wall surfaces is determined during water adsorption. The swelling direction is given by the parameterΔh/Δr, whereΔhis the increase of cell wall thickness as a result of inward and outward swelling andΔris the outward increase.