Wood Moisture Content
Wood moisture content, a crucial factor in wood performance and sustainability, refers to the amount of water present within its structure. Accurate monitoring of moisture content is essential for various reasons, including:
- Preventing decay and structural damage
- Maintaining dimensional stability
- Optimizing wood properties for specific applications
Can Wood Contain Over 100% Moisture Content?
The answer to this question hinges on the definition of moisture content. Typically, moisture content is expressed as a percentage based on the oven-dry weight of the wood. In this context, a moisture content exceeding 100% is not physically possible.
However, if moisture content is defined in relation to the wood’s weight when initially cut, it is conceivable that wood could contain over 100% moisture content. This condition is known as “green” wood, which often contains substantial amounts of free water in addition to bound water.
Moreover, wood that has been submerged in water for an extended period may absorb water beyond its initial weight, effectively exceeding 100% moisture content based on its initial weight.