Comparison of different models for the high-temperature heat-treatment of wood

The high temperature thermal treatment of wood is an environment-friendly method for wood preservation. This technique has attracted considerable attention in recent years. The GRTB (groupe de recherche sur la thermotransformation du bois) at the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi, Canada, has been working on this subject for the past number of years. In this article, the work is presented with a focus on the mathematical modelling of the process. Three models (model based on Luikov's approach, diffusion model, and multiphase model) have been developed for the high temperature treatment of wood. The predictions of the models are compared with the experimental data. The diffusion model was found to be the most practical approach when the accuracy of the results and the computation times are both taken into account. (C) 2006 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.