In order to evaluate the drying rate and quality of Hovenia dulcis wood, 30 boards with dimensions of 2.5 × 15.0 × 280.0 cm were dried in air and in a solar kiln. For conduction of the first method, the wood was stacked on a foundation consisting of short logs of wood treated and covered with asbestos shingles; the second method was carried out in a greenhouse with timber and transparent PVC plastic structure, equipped with forced air circulation. The results showed that the drying time in air was twice as slow as in the solar kiln to reach the moisture content of 15%. Although the quality of wood was similar in both methods, the drying rate was significantly higher in the solar kiln, and the largest difference compared with air drying occurred below fiber saturation point.
solar kiln; air drying; drying defects