A review of methods of opening wood cell pathways
Drying rate and liquid penetration ability for wood preservation or fire proofing treatments are dependent on wood cell pathways.This study is aimed at investigating the mechanism of liquid path through wood cells starting at opening the pit membranes.Based on a review of the previous studies about the liquid flow and the paths in wood cells,three methods to open wood cell pathways were summarized: chemical treatment,biological treatment and physical forces(such as mechanical force,vaporization force and freezing force).Using these methods,the membranes on cell walls could be broken and the aspirated pits could be opened.Furthermore,the limits for application of each method were described.The review may be helpful for understanding the princi-ple of water flow paths in wood cells,which will benefit the wood drying,preservation treatment,fire proofing treatment and wood dyeing.