4. Parameters relevant to the use of wood

4.1 Density

Wood density is a very important parameter. Most mechanical and technological properties depend directly on it. Its ease of measurement or estimation makes it a qualitative criterion of choice.

The density of wood is a special parameter because the material is porous, heterogeneous and hygroscopic.

The true density of woody material depends very little on the species considered. It is always close to 1.53.

The ratio of apparent density to true density measures wood porosity.

Except in its anhydrous state, wood always contains water (free and bound water). This presence of water has a direct influence not only on the mass of the sample, but also on its dimensions (shrinkage and...