Moisture dynamics of wood and wood-based materials play a major role in wood durability against different decay organisms. Their impact becomes evident when wood is exposed, but not permanently wet. This study aimed therefore at investigating the intra-species variation of moisture dynamics of different European-grown wood species. Different stem zones of Norway spruce (Picea abies), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), European larch (Larix decidua), European beech (Fagus sylvatica), English oak (Quercus robur), and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) were examined. Their moisture dynamics were determined using different methods that take into account both the uptake of liquid water and the absorption and release of water vapour. The moisture dynamics differed significantly not only between the wood species examined, but partly also between the stem zones, particularly between juvenile and mature heartwood.
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