Vacuum infusion as a novel method to determine wood permeability

This study aims to propose a novel method, vacuum infusion process, measure the longitudinal permeability of wood. The method uses bag sealed over fibrous material, with inlet and outlet. It can be performed on top any flat surface, its process is relatively swift. Six different woods (Pinus elliottii, Araucaria angustifolia, Ochroma pyramidale, Cedrela fissilis, Tectona grandis, Eucalyptus grandis) three fluids (water, soybean oil, furfuryl alcohol) were selected for study. After preliminary evaluations morphology, chemical characteristics, density, porosity, contact angle capillary pressure, two actual measurements. highest was obtained pyramidale wood, being 0.45–7.49 × 10–11 m2. wood 58–88% 18–62% more permeable than Pinus elliottii grandis woods, respectively. fluid found have some influence experiment therefore must carefully selected. difference in attributed morphological especially presence axial vessels, which are 60% larger compared while has no vessels. amount voids all nevertheless, similar, as well evaluated characteristics structural anatomical elements (tracheids and/or fibers). In all, determination apparent using practical good accuracy, yielding results similar those from other methods literature.