Application of a new method to select the most suitable wood species for surface densification

Surface densification improves many properties of solid wood, and opens up new applications for low-density species e.g. flooring or wooden structures, and adds value to these species. Research into the surface densification of wood has been focused mainly on Scots pine, Norway spruce, aspen and poplar. In order to propagate the use of surface densification techniques, it is necessary to find more wood species that have a particularly high potential for an increase in value through such a treatment.The purpose of this study was to select wood species which are suitable for surface densification and for use in a specific product, by applying a systematic and quantifiable selection method. The method that was presented in detail in an earlier work, is designed around a workflow consisting of multiple stages, takes into account weighted selection criteria and provides a quantified ranking of the most suitable species.The results suggest that several species such as alder, basswood, cedar, and obeche that have not previously been considered for surface densification may be suitable candidates. Aspen, poplar and pine were confirmed as suitable, being among the top species in the ranking.<p>Godkänd; 2016; 20160712 (dicsan)