### Understanding Wood Moisture Content Wood moisture content (MC) refers to the amount of water present within its structure. Accurately assessing MC is crucial in various industries, including forestry, construction, and woodworking. The MC of wood can fluctuate based on environmental conditions and wood species. ### Can Wood Contain Over 100% Moisture Content? Typically, wood MC is expressed as a percentage of the dry weight of the wood. As a result, wood cannot contain over 100% MC. However, there are specific cases where the moisture content may appear to exceed 100%. ### Saturated Wood When wood absorbs as much water as it can hold, it reaches a state of saturation. At this point, the spaces within the wood structure are completely filled with water. The MC of saturated wood is typically referred to as the "fiber saturation point" (FSP), which varies among different wood species. The FSP is usually around 30%, but it can range from 20% to 40%. ### Free Water When wood is submerged in water, it can absorb additional water beyond the FSP. This excess water is known as "free water" and is held in the spaces between wood fibers and in the cell lumens. The amount of free water that can be absorbed depends on the wood species and the length of time it is submerged. ### Measuring Wood Moisture Content Various techniques are employed to measure wood MC, including electrical resistance meters, capacitance meters, and moisture probes. These devices allow professionals to accurately determine the MC of wood, which is essential for ensuring proper preservation, construction, and utilization. ### Conclusion Wood moisture content plays a significant role in many applications. While wood cannot contain over 100% MC, it can become saturated and absorb excess free water when submerged. Accurately measuring and understanding wood MC is critical to maintaining its structural integrity and preventing damage.