Effect of Microwave Treatment on Strength and Permeability of Wood: A Snapshot Review

Abstract

Microwave treatment is a promising technique for modifying the properties of wood. It has gained popularity as an alternative method to conventional treatments for improving the properties of wood. Microwave drying has shown that it reduces the drying stresses and improve the quality of wood compared to traditional drying methods. This efficient heating reduces the risk of deformation, cracking, and other defects that can occur with prolonged exposure to high temperatures during traditional drying and also helps in increasing the permeability of wood. This snapshot review provides an overview of the effect of microwave treatment on the strength properties and permeability of wood with variations in parameters such as the frequency, power, and treatment time along with the potential benefits and drawbacks of this method. Overall, the review indicate that microwave treatment is an effective method for modifying the properties of wood and has the potential to improve its performance in various applications.