Experimental study on magnetic and heating characteristics of magnetic wood

Abstract

Magnetic wood, wood which demonstrates magnetic characteristics, was introduced by the Oka group in 1991. Based on previous studies, we have proposed that magnetic wood can be used as a heating board by induction heating, applying a high frequency magnetic field. This article covers experimental magnetic and heating characteristics for three types of magnetic wood: an impregnated type (the wood is impregnated with a water-based magnetic fluid), a powder type (Mn–Zn ferrite powder and wood powder are mixed and pressed into boards), and a coating type (Mn–Zn ferrite powder is coated onto a fiber board). Our results showed that the coating-type magnetic wood had the highest surface temperature when using a solenoid excitation coil. In this case the surface temperature rose 50 °C. The heating board we propose can be used in furniture and medical equipment that require a warm and smooth surface.