Wood and Fiber Science (E-Journal)
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Wood quality of farm grown teak (Tectona grandis, Linn.f) under different agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu, India
No full textTeak (Tectona grandis) is globally recognized for its exceptional wood quality, making it one of the most sought-after timbers in the world. Teak is visually appealing because of its fine grain and golden-brown hue, and its dimensional stability ensures minimal warping or cracking under various environmental conditions. Wood quality is further influenced by factors such as growth conditions, silvicultural practices, and genetic variability. Although variations in heartwood density and proportion may have an impact on its performance, plantation-grown teak has become a viable substitute for natural forests. Wood fractionation analysis was undertaken by collecting wood samples from all four agroclimatic zones in Tamil Nadu, India of both boundary and block plantations in three different age classes, viz., 5–10, 10–15, and 15–20 years. Wood density, heartwood, sapwood, and bark content were analyzed using species specific allometric equations. Wood density attained a maximum of 0.80 g cm3 in boundary plantations of the Western agroclimatic zone in the 15- to 20-year age class. The same Western zone (WZ) registered the maximum heartwood volume of 0.433 m3 and maximum bark content volume of 0.097 m3 in the same age class. Similarly, maximum sapwood volume in the same age class in the Cauvery Delta zone was 0.141 m3. Trees from the WZ had higher heartwood ratios, suggesting that these trees might more durable
Evaluation of connection performance of various mixed species CLTs for furniture-style joinery
Full text linkThis study investigated the connection performance of various mixed-species cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels used in furniture-style joinery. A combination of yellow-poplar and southern pine were used to assesses the mechanical performance of L-shaped dowel and lap joints under compression and tension loads. Mechanical testing was conducted to evaluate the connection moment resistance of each joint configuration. Dowel joints generally exhibited higher connection moment resistance, particularly under compression, which was attributed to superior mechanical interlocking and load distribution. Conversely, lap joints demonstrated higher variability in performance, with some configurations showing inconsistency, particularly under tension. Failure modes, such as delamination and rolling shear, were observed, highlighting the need for improved adhesion and joint design. These findings suggest that dowel joints are the preferred joinery method due to higher compressive strength. In contrast, lap joints may benefit from optimization in adhesive bonding techniques to enhance performance under tension. This research provides valuable insights into the structural integrity and durability of CLT joinery, guiding future improvements in design and application for engineered wood products
Empirical investigations on the wood quality assessment of five tropical species for industrial use
No full textFour species and one hybrid: Khaya senegalensis, Melia dubia, Chukrasia tabularis, Toona ciliata, and an Acacia hybrid were assessed for their physical, chemical, and thermo-chemical properties. Khaya senegalensis had the highest density (665.74 kg/m³), while M. dubia exhibited the highest recovery rate (80%). Melia dubia had the highest holocellulose content (75.50%), while lignin content in K. senegalensis was 28.60%. Caloric value (4380.20 kcal) was highest in Chukrasia tabularis while the fixed carbon (15.87%) content reached a maximum for K. senegalensis. The findings suggest that K. senegalensis and M. dubia are promising species for plywood, pulp, and energy applications
Democratizing essential wood identification information for Central American timber markets with an ergonomically designed, interactive, bilingual smartphone app
Full text linkIn 2022, scientists from the Center for Wood Anatomy Research at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory published a field manual entitled Identification of Central American, Mexican, and Caribbean Woods. Bilingual with English and Spanish side-by-side on each page, this publication provided step-by-step processes with simple tools to enable readers with no previous experience in wood anatomy or identification to identify woods of the region. In use, the manual presented potential ergonomic challenges in both print and PDF formats. The objective of this project was to eliminate these challenges by transforming the field manual into a smartphone app. The WhatWood? Central America app was built in Visual Studio 2022 using Microsoft’s .NET Multi-platform App UI (.NET MAUI). The app is available as a free download on both Android and iOS platforms and can run without an internet connection. Ergonomic modifications included small-screen-optimization, adjustable text, image zooming and panning, and a colorblind viewing option. Dichotomous key navigation was automated, removing the need for manual page turning. Quizzes were added to reinforce the learning of anatomical features. The settings page was configured to show only one language at a time to eliminate the potential for confusion caused by parallel translations. Transforming the original source material into a smartphone application has democratized essential wood identification information for the Central American, Caribbean, and Mexican timber markets by making it available at no cost to virtually anyone in the world with a mobile device, delivering content in both Spanish and English, eliminating potential barriers for operators with mild visual impairments, and providing interactive functionality for self-study
Support vector regression-based grid localization method for acoustic emission sources from Chinese fir boards
No full textWood is an anisotropic composite material, whose variation can make it difficult to locate surface damage using non-destructive testing. In order to solve the problem of sound source localization on the surface of wood, this study used a first localization method combining grid-based feature mapping and machine learning. Chinese fir boards (Cunninghamia lanceolata) were divided into a grid and acoustic emission signals were generated through a pencil-lead break test. These signals were processed using wavelet packet decomposition (WPD) to create a database of energy feature vectors. Localization was then achieved by applying support vector regression (SVR), which compared the feature vectors from the experimental points with those in the database to determine the sound source location. The average absolute error of this localization method was 7.51 mm, the average relative error was 3.79%, and the positioning accuracy was 91.84%, which can effectively locate the sound source on the wood surface
Genetic variations in wood properties of third generation Acacia mangium Willd. progeny tests from Sumatra, Indonesia
Full text linkAcacia mangium Willd. is a fast-growing tree commonly used in pulp and paper production. Despite extensive planting, there is a need for genetic improvement to enhance wood properties for better pulp output. This study assessed genetic variations in moisture content, pilodyn penetration, specific gravity, fiber length, cell wall thickness, lumen diameter, and cellulose content in a third-generation progeny test of A. mangium in South Sumatra, involving 52 families. Averages for 3-year-old A. mangium were as follows: pilodyn penetration at 11.22 mm, moisture content at 117.18%, specific gravity at 0.44, fiber length at 1.01 mm, and alpha cellulose at 68.03%. Phenotypic variation of wood properties ranged from 3.53% to 19.62%, while genotypic variation was between 1.83% and 9.91%. There was a strong genetic correlation between pilodyn penetration and wood properties (specific gravity, holocellulose, and alpha cellulose) with individual heritability of wood properties estimates (h2i) from 0.09 to 0.37. Significant family differences were found in pilodyn penetration, specific gravity, fiber length, holocellulose, and alpha cellulose, with genetic gains of wood properties between 1.78% and 9.72%
Compressive behavior of wood I-joist under elevated temperature
Full text linkWood composite I-joists are commonly used in residential construction and light commercial buildings, particularly in floor and roof assemblies. These assemblies are often fire-rated, based on building design, to meet specific safety standards. Fire-rated assemblies are constructed using manufacturer-specified materials such as gypsum board and fire-retardant plywood. While I-joists may not be directly exposed to flames, they can still experience significant thermal exposure. This study investigates the effects of elevated temperatures on the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of I-joists, with 90 specimens tested across various temperatures and two exposure durations. Results indicate that significant degradation in mechanical properties occurs around 190°C, with OSB web buckling identified as the primary failure mechanism. A Sigmoidal model was applied to capture the temperature-dependent degradation, revealing critical property decline near 200°C and higher. This research provides insights into the thermal behavior of I-joists, with implications for maintaining structural integrity in high-temperature environments, and highlights the need for further studies on long-term exposure and temperatures above 200°C
Chemical constituents, physical, and mechanical properties of Indonesian sugar palm (Arenga longipes Mogea) trunk
No full textWood density, chemical characteristics, and mechanical properties in the stem (vertical and horizontal) were studied for the Indonesian sugar palm (Arenga longipes) grown in Sumatera Island in Indonesia. This species is widely used industrially and is widely distributed on the island of North Sumatra. A 15-year-old palm tree was harvested (40 cm diameter at breast height) then sampled at seven heights above the ground (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 m of trunk height) and at five horizontal positions (4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 cm of radius from the bark) at each height. The sections were evaluated for chemical constituents, density, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), tensile strength, and compression strength using British Standard BS 373 (1957). The chemistry of the trunk was also evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The distribution of chemical constituents of A. longipes stem was as follows: 24.97–39.23% α-cellulose, 68.03–78.04% holocellulose, 23.01–34.44% lignin, and 1.62–3.41% ash content. Density varied from 0.13 to 0.75 g/cm3. Modulus of rupture varied from 10.42 to 143.49 MPa, modulus of elasticity varied from 0.35 to 24.92 GPa, tensile strength ranged from 0.55 to 16.03 GPa, and compressive strength ranged from 0.53 to 6.14 MPa. Hexadecenoic acid and octadecanoic acid were both detected, and the latter compound was most common (97.98% of peak area). The FTIR analysis indicated a hydrophilic tendency in the material, which was attributed to the presence of hydroxyl functional groups in cellulose and lignin. Thermal decomposition occurred at temperatures as high as 402°C, representing an 18% degradation. The horizontal variation within the trunk was highly significant for all traits, while the vertical variation was significant only for density and mechanical properties. A strong correlation was observed between density and mechanical properties. A. longipes has potential as an alternative raw material, capable of supplying the industry with valuable timber substitutes, particularly for material from the outer circumference of the stem
Particle board production using paper mill waste sludge and European black pine (Pinus nigra A.) wood chips
Full text linkPaper mills use excessive amounts of water throughout production to produce paper. While mills treat water for reuse, sludge is generated and must be processed as a waste, along with some washing water. In this study, waste sludge from a kraft process mill mixed with up to 40% black pine (Pinus nigra) wood chips was investigated for multi-purpose board production using urea formaldehyde resin and ammonium chloride as a hardener. The panels were pressed at 150°C for 7 minutes between 2.4 MPa and 2.6 MPa. The resulting panels were 18 mm thick, with a density of from 0.69 gr/cm3 to 0.71 g/cm3. Measurements of density, moisture, water absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and internal bond strength to the surface were carried out on the particle board panels. The results indicated that panels could be used for general purposes
Effect of graphene oxide addition on the characteristics of nanocomposite films made of graphene oxide and nanocellulose obtained from recycled pulp
Full text linkFilms consisting of 6,6,2,2-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (TEMPO) oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNFs) prepared from recycled pulp and graphene oxide (GO) were produced by the solution molding method. Electrical conductivity titration and FTIR spectra showed that recycled fibers and cellulose nanofibers were successfully oxidized and the number of carboxyl groups increased. Mechanical properties, thermal stability, crystallinity index, and morphological structure of the nanocomposite films of TOCNFs and GO were characterised by tensile strength tests, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tensile strength of films made of TOCNFs with 1.5% GO was 61% higher than those without GO, while tensile strength TOCNF films with 3% GO decreased by 2%. The values did not differ statistically from the non-amended TOCNF. Addition of up to 3% GO did not markedly affect thermal stability of nanocomposite films. Recycled pulp had 83% crystallinity, while the crystallinity index of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers decreased to 65.5%. SEM observations showed that TOCNFs and small amounts of GO formed nanocomposite films with a homogeneous structure. This research provides an approach for effective utilization of recycled pulp as a feedstock for cellulose nanofibers and TOCNFs/GO nanocomposite films