Moisture content in wood refers to the amount of water present within its structure. It is a crucial factor influencing the properties and performance of wood products.
No, wood cannot contain over 100% moisture content.
* Green Wood: Freshly cut wood known as green wood typically has a moisture content above 100%. This excess water is primarily in the cell cavities.
* Bound Water: As wood dries, the water in the cell cavities evaporates, leaving behind water bound to the wood’s molecular structure.
* Fiber Saturation Point: When the moisture content reaches approximately 30%, the cell cavities are empty, and all remaining water is bound. This point is known as the fiber saturation point.
* Maximum Moisture Content: Beyond the fiber saturation point, wood cannot absorb additional water. Therefore, the maximum moisture content a piece of wood can hold is its bound water content, which is typically around 30%.