Application potential and prospect of superheated steam drying of wood.

The application and theoretical study of superheated steam drying are summarized in this paper in order to improve wood drying quality and production efficiency. The outcomes of superheated steam drying in other industries are searched, and their application potential in superheated steam drying of wood is discussed based on wood drying characteristics. The effects of superheated steam drying techniques on drying rate, drying quality, physical and mechanical properties and microstructure of materials are analyzed. The rule of heat and mass transfer and mathematical models of superheated steam drying are described and analyzed in an attempt to establish and improve mathematical model and technology of wood superheated steam drying. Finally, the prospects and suggestions are proposed for research and application of wood superheated steam drying.