when water increase in wood above the fiber saturation point the process leads to swelling ?
Yes, that is correct. When water content in wood increases above the fiber saturation point, the wood fibers swell. This is because wood has an inherent ability to absorb and release moisture from its environment. When it absorbs water beyond the fiber saturation point, the cell walls of the wood fibers start to expand, causing the wood to swell.
Yes, when water increases in wood above the fiber saturation point, it leads to swelling.
Here is a step-by-step explanation of what happens:
1. Fiber Saturation Point: The fiber saturation point is the moisture content level in wood where the cell walls are saturated with water, but there is no free water in the wood cells. At this point, the wood fibers are fully saturated, and there is no further absorption or release of water.
2. Above the Fiber Saturation Point: When water continues to be absorbed into the wood beyond the fiber saturation point, the excess water is absorbed into the empty spaces within the wood cells.
3. Swelling: As the wood absorbs more water, the wood cells begin to expand. This expansion causes the wood to swell in size. The swelling occurs in both the radial (across the growth rings) and tangential (along the growth rings) directions.
4. Effects of Swelling: Swelling can cause various changes in wood. It may lead to an increase in dimensions, change in shape, or development of tension within the wood. The degree of swelling depends on factors like wood species, cell structure, and the amount of water absorbed.
5. Consequences: Excessive swelling can cause problems, especially in construction and woodworking applications. It may lead to warping, bending, cracking, or weakening of the wood structure.
6. Drying: To reverse the swelling and restore the wood to its original dimensions, the excess moisture needs to be removed. Proper drying methods, such as air drying or kiln drying, are utilized to mitigate the effects of swelling in wood.
In summary, when water increases in wood above the fiber saturation point, it leads to swelling as the wood cells absorb the excess water. This swelling can result in changes in dimensions, shape, and potential structural issues if not addressed appropriately.