Moisture Mapping is a term used to describe the process of measuring the moisture content of wood. The moisture content of wood is the amount of water vapor present in the wood, expressed as a percentage of the oven-dry weight of the wood. The moisture content of wood is important because it affects the properties of the wood, such as its strength, stiffness, and durability.
The moisture content of wood is determined by the amount of water vapor present in the wood. The water vapor can be either free water or bound water. Free water is water that is not chemically bonded to the wood, and it can be removed from the wood by drying. Bound water is water that is chemically bonded to the wood, and it cannot be removed from the wood by drying.
The moisture content of wood varies depending on the species of wood, the part of the tree from which the wood was taken, and the conditions under which the wood was stored.
The moisture content of wood is important because it affects the properties of the wood. For example, the strength of wood decreases as the moisture content increases. The stiffness of wood also decreases as the moisture content increases. The durability of wood decreases as the moisture content increases.
Moisture Mapping is a valuable tool for woodworkers and other professionals who work with wood. By measuring the moisture content of wood, they can determine the properties of the wood and make informed decisions about how to use the wood.