Microscopic deformations in MDF swelling: a unique 4D-CT characterization

Abstract Medium-density fiberboard (MDF), a wood-based material that consists of tight random network wood fibers, deforms more than when exposed to water. For the first time, microscopic deformations MDF were tracked during swelling. A hygroscopic swelling setup imposing deform throughout tomographic acquisition was used coupled X-ray microtomography. An advanced reconstruction algorithm enabled images free motion artefacts, and state-of-the-art digital volume correlation applied determine mechanical strain fields at high resolution. Wood fiber bundles then segmented from single fibers with deep learning using UNet3D architecture. Combined fields, this segmentation showed drivers This contrasts behavior wood, where structured swells less which might be caused by difference in penetration distribution adhesive, on cell wall. The unique characterization MDF’s dynamic can already develop manufacturing strategies improve water resistance, therefore widening uses natural fiber-based materials.