The effect of supercritical carbon dioxide impregnation on pressure development was assessed on oriented strandboard (OSB), medium density fiberboard (MDF), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and solid-sawn Douglas-fir heartwood lumber. Pressure differences between the surface and the interior were relatively small with MDF and OSB, owing to the presence of numerous pathways for fluid flow. Pressure differences tended to be higher in LVL and solid wood, but were still below the levels necessary for inducing material damage, except when flow directions were restricted and pressure was rapidly applied. The results indicate that supercritical fluid (SCF) impregnation is suitable for most composites, although care must be taken to limit pressure changes in situations where flow is restricted
