Equations of humidity levels related to the basic wood density of tropical forest species in Madre de Dios, Peru

Abstract

Scarce information in physical studies of the wood made tests on 10 representative forest species to determine mathematical equations, in addition 95 other species were selected where models were applied, tested and validated for moisture content equilibrium (CHE), free moisture content (CHL), fiber saturation point (PSF) and maximum moisture content (CHM) of the wood, using the instant measurement method prior saturation in hot water at 100 ° C for 24 hours and drying in an oven. Basic density (DB) varied from 0.27 to  0.92 g/cm³, where the measured range CHM ranged from 49-302 % is located, while the set had an exponential behavior equal to CHM = 597.96e^-2.843DB that ranged from 44 to 281 %. The estimated CHL changed from 31 to 234 % and showed an exponential behavior set equal to CHL = 583.84e^-3.263DB changed from 29 to 245 %. The PSF estimated average was     27 % ranging from 18 to 68 % and adjusted behavior exhibited a potential equal to PSF = 14.678DB^-0.83 that ranged from 16 to 44 %. The average measured CHE was    12.63 % which ranged from 9 to 16 % and a logarithmic behavior tube set equal to CHE = - 4.141ln (DB) + 9.8939 which varied from 10 to 15 %. The generated models predicted humidity levels with a very high correlation coefficient (r) in CHM and CHL equal to r = 0.991, high in the PSF of r = 0.828 and CHE with r = 0.851.

Key words: Humidity level, basic density, wood, Madre de Dios, Perú