Comparison of colour development in sugar-amino acid solutions with colour changes in wood during drying

摘要

Kiln brown stain (KBS) is a major concern in the drying of high-grade softwood due to the darkened wood surface. Although numerous studies have been conducted in the last decade, the mechanism of the KBS formation is still not fully understood. One theory is that the KBS is caused by Maillard reaction between the concentrated sap solution and the surrounding drying medium during drying. The present study has investigated this theory using artificial sap solution at various concentrations. Colour development of these solutions treated at different temperatures is measured and compared with the actual colour changes in Pinus radiata sapwood during drying.