Monitoring imbibition dynamics at tissue level in Norway spruce using X-ray imaging

The study of moisture migration in Norway Spruce may reduce the discrepancy between measurements and simulations of transfers in buildings and thus be helpful for improving their performance and durability. For this purpose, X-ray imaging was used to study moisture migration in Norway spruce during imbibition at tissue level. Moisture content kinetics in earlywood and late wood, based on X-ray attenuation, was observed and measured through rigorous protocol. The imbibition process was studied in both longitudinal and radial directions. The results showed an easier migration of liquid in late wood than in earlywood in the longitudinal uptake. In the radial direction, the impact of compression wood as a barrier and the role of the anatomical structure in the liquid migration were highlighted by the direct visualization of filled tracheids.