Water sorption in wood cell walls–data exploration of the influential physicochemical characteristics

Abstract The material properties of wood are intimately tied to the amount moisture contained in cell walls. content depends on environmental conditions, i.e. temperature and relative humidity, but also characteristics itself. exact mechanisms governing equilibrium between walls conditions remain obscure, likely because multiple have been proposed be involved. In this study, we used a data exploration approach illuminate important determining wall full range. Specimens nine different species (two softwoods seven hardwoods) were examined terms their at scales was measured with both hygroscopic water-saturation. By statistical analysis, chemical composition found most predictor For other importance differed low range humid saturated conditions. range, cellulose crystallinity hydroxyl accessibility predictors, while high contents microfibril orientation S1 S3 layers important. Overall, results highlighted that no single characteristic decisive for content, each predictors identified by analysis had only small effect themselves content. Wood major were, therefore, not identified. .