Moisture content variability in kiln-dried Gmelina arborea wood: Effect of radial position and anatomical features

Gmelina arborea is one of the most important species for plantation in tropical areas. However, high variability in final moisture content (MC _f) is a problem in the drying process. This study sought to determine the variability in MC_f in relation to distance from the pith (DP), and anatomic elements. Boards of 1.2 cm in thickness obtained from bark to the pith from 15-year-old plantation trees were dried in a pilot kiln. Anatomical characteristics, initial moisture content (MC_i), and specific gravity (SG) were also determined. Pearson correlation matrix was conducted between MC_f and the other variables. DP, fiber length, and ray width were correlated negatively with MC_f, while fiber diameter was positively correlated. Other studied anatomical properties showed no statistical correlations. Other wood properties such as SG and MC_i showed some influence on MC_f. DP can be considered as a good practical predictor for MC_f in G. arborea because some wood properties are related to MC_f. However, other wood characteristics that are not related with DP also influence MC_f, such as the presence of sapwood, MC_i variation between and within trees, fiber diameter, and ray width. These results suggest that MC_f variation in G. arborea is difficult to determine.