Definitions for "Equilibrium moisture content"
EMC is the moisture content at which wood neither gains nor loses moisture from the surrounding atmosphere. Wood moistens or dries out in an attempt to achieve a balance with the surrounding conditions. The amount of moisture in wood is expressed as a percentage and is initially determined by how it is dried as lumber after it has been sawn from the log. A target EMC for wood that is prepared for interior use in North America is 6 – 9%.
The moisture content of the product when it is in equilibrium with the surrounding atmosphere is called the equal moisture content or hygroscopic equilibrium. Epigeal Plants in which the cotyledons appear above the surface of soil. Epicotyl The growing point of the embryo, which gives rise to the shoot, or the above ground part of the plant. Ergot 1. A disease of grasses and Cereals caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea. 2. The Sclerotium of this fungus, which replaces the seeds of the host, and contains alkaloids which cause ergotism in animals and man.
A term applied to wood which indicates the moisture content at which the wood neither loses nor gains moisture from the surrounding atmosphere-it has reached equilibrium with the environment.