Mitigation of cellular collapse during drying of Eucalyptus nitens wood using supercritical CO2 dewatering

Summary Removal of lumen water by dewatering using supercritical CO 2 offers an alternative method to mitigate cellular collapse in susceptible hardwoods compared conventional timber drying methods. The anatomy Eucalyptus nitens was quantitatively measured light microscopy, SEM and micro-CT provide understanding the mechanism during drying. These measurements were then used recalibrate a previously developed fluid-dynamics model predict E. vessel develop treatment strategy for mitigation. lumens from fibres (58.5% cross-section) vessels (10.0% with mean diameters 8 142 ? m, respectively. Micro-CT revealed that empty after schedule optimised softwood. However, remained full this led significant subsequent oven Based on information, two-phase include removal fibre water. Results showed 90% could be mitigated change external volume only 3.9% provided green moisture content lowered 70% before predicted effective diffusion coefficient comparable Pinus radiata they similar anatomical tortuosity porosity resistance their hydrofluidic networks. Collapse mitigation combined extraction desirable sap components, post-dewatering drying, preservative treatment, mechanical forming. processes may achieved single plant apply most anatomically hardwoods.