On the Interaction Between Moisture and Wood Fibre Materials

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe effect of water on wood fibre materials is described from the standpoint of how the water is absorbed by the individual wood polymers. The main influence on physical properties are thus associated with water acting as a plasticizing agent for lignin and carbohydrates. Effects of drying restraints on paper are discussed in relation to a molecular orientation of the constituent polymers, made possible in the vicinity of the water-induced softening points.