|
|
|
| Home » Knowledge Base » Knowledge Base Article | Login | Become a Member | What's New | Site Map |
|
WOODWEB DISCLAIMS any and all RESPONSIBILITY and LIABILITY for the accuracy and application of the information below. Readers agree to evaluate the significance and limitations of the information provided, and accept full responsibility for the application of this information. Read More ... |
|
|
Would you like to add information to this article? Interested in writing or submitting an article? Have a question about this article? Yellow discoloration in oak Question
On several occasions we've had problems with a pronounced yellow discoloration that goes deep into the grain and does not disappear with planing. We cannot find a constant factor in the different cases. All thicknesses are involved. Although we find it mostly in European oak, I have seen it in American white oak, too (backing boards). It happens in both of the kiln types. The affected wood comes from different sawmills. There are no similarities to be found in the conditions before kiln drying (under covered shed; in open air) or during kiln drying. There are no problems during the drying cycles. Some bundles have it, others do not. This is quite a mystery to us. Here is a picture of the discoloration.
Forum Responses
Gene Wengert, forum technical advisor
Yellow discolouration of European and American white oak might be caused by a fungi infection (paecilomyces variottii). This was shown by Professor Bauch in Germany in 1991. The discolouration only occurs in heartwood, though the fungi also live in sapwood. The actual colouring substance is assumed to be the result of some kind of reaction between the fungi and extractives naturally occurring in the heartwood. The fungi like high surface MC and it commonly occurs around stickers. The problem increases with low air speed and the use of thin stickers (less then 15 mm or 3/5’). The fungi survive in temperatures up to 50°C (122°F) and may thereby survive the early stages of conventional kiln drying. It sometimes occurs during air-drying and might thereby develop during storage and transportation prior to the kiln drying. A way to diminish the problem is to increase the air speed and ensure an even distribution of the airflow through the kiln load. It is also possible, but not recommendable to use chemical treatments. In some cases, e.g. thick European oak, it might even be economical to shift technology in to vacuum drying to avoid this and other problems. Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below? 
|
