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At what percentage of moisture does wood become very hard to ignite and burn?

User Davidmh
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Final answer:

Wood becomes very hard to ignite and burn when it has a low percentage of moisture content. Dry wood with a moisture content of around 10-15% is ideal for burning efficiently.

Step-by-step explanation:

Wood becomes very hard to ignite and burn when it has a low percentage of moisture content. When the moisture content of wood is below 20%, it becomes difficult to ignite and sustain a fire. This is because moisture acts as a coolant and inhibits the combustion process. Dry wood with a moisture content of around 10-15% is ideal for burning efficiently.

The ignition and burning characteristics of wood are influenced by its moisture content. When wood has a high moisture content, it becomes more difficult to ignite and sustain a fire. As a general guideline:

Green Wood (Freshly Cut): Green wood, which has a high moisture content, can be challenging to ignite and burn effectively. This is because a significant amount of heat energy is initially absorbed by the water in the wood before the wood itself can start to combust.

Seasoned or Dry Wood: As wood dries and its moisture content decreases, it becomes much easier to ignite and burns more efficiently. Dry wood allows for better combustion, producing more heat and less smoke.

While there is no specific threshold at which wood becomes "very hard to ignite," it's generally recommended to use well-seasoned or kiln-dried wood for burning. Wood with a moisture content below 20% is often considered suitable for efficient and clean

User Harbinger
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