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Causes of color changes in wood during drying

Forestry Studies in China volume 12, pages 167–175 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

The forest industry operates in a dynamic and global market where change and competition are the rule rather than the exception. The color of wood is one of the most attractive features for the modern wood industry. Even when wood is chosen for its structural qualities, attractive and decorative colors are usually an important factor. In many applications, particularly in furniture, decorative products, decorative veneers and flooring, accurate matching of the color of different samples is required. Wood attributes and properties are important because they have a direct bearing on market opportunities and consumer acceptance for many types of manufactured wood products. The aim of this review is to identify causes of wood discoloration and advances in drying technology to overcome this problem. Wood discoloration is a complex phenomenon, mainly affected by heat, light, physiological and biochemical reactions, as well as from attack by microorganisms.

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  1. Laboratoire TREFLE site ENSAM, Université Bordeaux 1, Esplanade Arts et Métiers CEDEX, Talence, 33405, France

    Sadoth Sandoval-Torres, Wahbi Jomaa, Francoise Marc & J. -R. Puiggali

  2. CIIDIR Oaxaca Engineering, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Hornos 1003, Col. Noche Buena. Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, Oaxaca, 71230, Mexico

    Sadoth Sandoval-Torres

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  1. Sadoth Sandoval-Torres
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  2. Wahbi Jomaa
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Correspondence to Sadoth Sandoval-Torres.

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Sandoval-Torres, S., Jomaa, W., Marc, F. et al. Causes of color changes in wood during drying. For. Stud. China 12, 167–175 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11632-010-0404-8

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Key words

  • wood discoloration
  • wood chemistry
  • drying