Our team is passionate about investigating wood and discovering new ways to utilize it as a sustainable construction material. We are particularly interested in its electrical properties, the study of which holds great potential for improving engineered wood products and preventing moisture-related damage. Traditional methods for measuring wood moisture content often involve destructive tests that provide limited information. To overcome this challenge, we employ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), a technique that allows us to gather detailed data on wood’s alternating current conductivity across various frequencies. By using EIS, we can collect more comprehensive data compared to standard direct current measurements and learn about wood moisture interactions, wood anatomy, and wood chemistry.
We conditioned wood specimens, including common construction woods like spruce and beech, to specific moisture levels in climate chambers. Consistent measurements were ensured using a specialized sample holder and a climatized glovebox. Our initial results revealed significant differences in impedance based on the wood’s anatomical direction, with the lowest impedance in the axial direction correlating with water transport pathways. As moisture content increased, impedance decreased, and phase shift curves changed. We also examined the impact of altering wood chemistry through selective extraction or chemical modifications on electrical conductivity. Preliminary results from these tests are presented.
We are driven by curiosity and a desire to innovate in the field of sustainable construction. Our research aims to extend the durability and efficiency of engineered wood products, contributing to more sustainable building practices.
Keywords: wood moisture, electrical properties, EIS, sustainable construction, wood chemistry
Authors
Maja Vasiljevic
BOKU University, Institute of Physics and Materials Science, Austria
Sarah Suarez
BOKU University, Institute of Wood Technology and Renewable Materials, Austria
Barbara Hinterstoisser
BOKU University, Institute of Physics and Materials Science, Austria
Emil E Thybring
University of Copenhagen, IGN, Forest and Bioresources, Denmark
Martin Riegler
Wood K plus – Competence Centre for Wood Composites and Wood Chemistry, Austria
Gerhard Sinn
BOKU University, Institute of Physics and Materials Science, Austria
Helga Lichtenegger
BOKU University, Institute of Physics and Materials Science, Austria
Login to download the PDF