Contactless moisture content measurement on green veneer based on laser light scattering patterns

The wood structure anisotropy and moisture content variation within the volume create different patterns of light scattering inside the wood. The objective of this study was to assess the suitability of a laser method for online measurement of green veneer moisture content based on the so-called tracheid effect. Beech and poplar veneers with thicknesses of 1, 2 and 3 mm were subsequently laser scanned and weighed to obtain various humidities. The results show that the measured laser scattering profile, such as the major axis, minor axis and ellipse area on the veneer surface, increases with moisture. The laser scattering profile provides a reliable and precise prediction of the moisture content. Out of the three ellipse parameters evaluated, the ellipse area provides the best prediction of the moisture content of the green veneer for both beech and poplar.