Analysis of cell wall swelling on the basis of a cylindrical model

The relationship between inward and outward swelling of cell wall surfaces was examined. A formula was derived based on a cylindrical model of a wood cell. The equation clarifies that the slope of the swelling ratio of the whole wood versus moisture content is governed by a number of factors. This equation allows the examination of how the swelling direction of cell wall surfaces is determined during water adsorption. The swelling direction is given by the parameter Delta h/Delta r, where Delta h is the increase of cell wall thickness as a result of inward and outward swelling and Delta r is the outward increase.