Applications of Colour Measurement in Wood Research

The chapter discusses the applications of colour measurement in wood research dealing with the colour modificationColour modification effects of dry thermal treatmentThermal treatment, steamingSteaming and surface wettingWetting. The experimental results demonstrate that the temperature dependence of a* and b* colour coordinate values is exponential verified by the Arrhenius lawArrhenius law. The chapter contains detailed information regarding the steamingSteaming properties of black locustBlack locust, beechBeech, poplarPoplar, Turkey oakTurkey oak, Scots pineScots pine, larchLarch, spruceSpruce and sugiSugi wood species. The presented figures give the possibility to determine the proper steamingSteaming parameters (steamingSteaming time and temperature) to create the desired wood colour using this technology. Colour homogenisationColour homogenisation effect of steamingSteaming is presented for those species that have inhomogeneous natural colour. The presented experimental results show that wettingWetting and lacquering result in intensive darkening and saturationSaturation increase on wooden surfaces. Because of this phenomenon, colour measurement of wood material requires attention to guarantee equal moisture contentMoisture content of the samples during the applied treatment period.