PARAMETERS INFLUENCING DRYING BEHAVIOR OF RUBBER WOOD (HEVEA BRAZILLIENSIS) AS DETERMINED FROM DESORPTION EXPERIMENT

ABSTRACT

In this study, the drying properties of rubber wood, which are the basic parameters for kiln scheduling design, were determined from desorption experiment. Equilibrium moisture content expression was developed. The diffusion coefficients at different drying environments were evaluated. It is more appropriate to determine the diffusion coefficients by the optimum scheme in comparison to other schemes; the logarithmic, square-root and half-fraction of evaporable moisture schemes. Finally, the diffusion coefficient of rubber wood was described by, instead of wood moisture content, the drying temperature and relative humidity, which are the parameters controlling the drying kiln operation.

Keywords:

• Desorption
• Diffusion coefficient
• Equilibrium-moisture content
• Rubber wood

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This research work was financially supported by the Thailand Research Fund under the Royal Golden Jubilee Program for Ph.D. (RGJ-Ph.D.) and the Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment (JGSEE), King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand.