Saturation moisture content measurement procedure

The swell measurements were obtained from readings off the strain gauge dial on the Rheovlbron according to our previously developed procedure (3,4). While swelling of the epoxy Is not directly proportional to Its moisture content. It certainly Is Indicative of the relative degree of moisture saturation (9). 

Electrical moisture meters provide a quick and reasonably accurate nondestructive alternative. The direct-current resistance of the timber is measured or either the alternating-current capacitance or power loss can be measured. Direct-current resistance moisture meters are more common a pair of needles, a fixed distance apart, is driven into the wood across or along the grain (depending on the manufacturer s instructions) and the electrical resistance measured. The procedure is reasonably accurate between the fibre saturation point (defined later) at 30% and about 6% moisture content (at which point the resistance becomes too great to measure with reasonable accuracy). In this moisture content range, the relationship between electrical resistance and moisture content is represented by a log-log plot. 

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