Evaluation of drying and anatomical characteristics of Mongolian oak lumber by kiln drying with respect to storage time after sawing

Wood drying is the most time- and energy-consuming process in the wood industry. Without proper optimization of the drying process, an attempt to reduce drying time and energy by accelerating the drying rate might easily result in the creation of various defects within the kiln-dried lumber. To overcome this susceptibility, the drying and anatomical characteristics of Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica) lumber (thickness 30 mm × width 100 mm × length 1900 mm) were investigated in this study. To evaluate the effects of kiln drying, shrinkage and color difference (ΔE) were measured along with warping behavior such as cupping, bowing, crooking and twisting. The formation of tyloses was observed microscopically between one and six months after sawing. To develop value-added products from domestic oaks, the yield rate from standing tree to the flooring board was calculated. Based on the results of this study, it is expected that the present value of commercial oak timber in Korea can be improved by the application of an efficient production plan.