Wood Moisture Content Measurement using planar Capacitive Sensors

Abstract

Wood is an extensively used material. Assessment of wood moisture content is crucially essential as variations in moisture content values causes shrinkage or swelling of the material leading to decay or fungi growth. A low-cost planar capacitive transducer is proposed that provides quick and noninvasive measurement of wood moisture. The sensor is patterned as a spiral electrode over FR4 substrate. The content of moisture in 5 species of wood specimens in the range of 0- 82% has been examined. Thus, the research investigates the feasibility of wood moisture content determination using planar capacitive structures.