Model study to compare drying rate through laser incisions in beech wood

Laser incising presents several opportunities to the timber preservation and timber modification sectors. These include (1) increasing the permeability of species with moderate or poor permeability; (2) incising without introducing mechanical damage to adjacent tissue; and (3) greater control of the depth of the treated zone in envelope treatments. In addition, where drying is required prior to use, it is proposed that the incisions may speed up the rate of moisture movement from the core of the wood. This preliminary study assessed the drying rate of samples of beech timber which had been incised using a CO2 laser. Weight loss over time is related to the combined action of bulk flow, diffusion in the cell lumena, diffusion through the cell wall substance, and evaporation mechanisms at the timber surface. These are discussed in the light of classical drying theory for hardwoods, to examine suitability for the industrial context.