Lumberyards everywhere could revolutionize their businesses with a microwave pretreatment system that reduces from about two months to 10 days the amount of time needed to dry hardwoods. The system could save the lumber industry a significant amount in energy costs and reduce inventory requirements and expense. It can also reduce yield losses caused by long periods during which wood is exposed to insects, weather and fungus. The technology, developed by ORNL and partners, selectively opens cellular membranes, increasing fluid flow through the wood. This improves the drying rate and decreases the time required to kiln dry. The treatment also permits the production of a broad new range of low-pressure impregnated wood products for a variety of applications.
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