Articles

Influence of stiffness related to the C40 strength class of the hardwood group established by the Brazilian standard in the design of timber structures

The Brazilian standard ABNT 7190 (1997) establishes the strength classes C20, C30, C40 and C60 for the proper framework of the different wood types in the group of hardwoods. Associated with the strength class, which is based on the compressive strength characteristic value parallel to the fibers (fc0,k), the standard stipulates the respective values representing the stiffness (Ec0), with 19500 MPa being the reference value for the class C40, essential variables in structural design. For being the C40 class is the one with the greatest amplitude (20 MPa), it is possible that the value 19500 MPa is not the best representation of stiffness. This work aimed to verify the representativeness the stiffness value established by the Brazilian standard for C40 wood. The result obtained from the average confidence interval indicates the value of 14110 MPa as being the most representative, which may imply structures that are supposedly more rigid than they really are.

Trace element analysis of tropical woods using particle induced X–ray emission (pixe) methods from Western Nigeria

Trace element investigation and its corresponding concentration level in selected tropical woods from western Nigeria was done using PIXE-particle induced X-ray emission methods. Fifteen selected tropical woods were analyzed and twenty-seven trace elements were identified and quantified. The identified trace elements are Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Ba, Pb and Bi. Calcium concentration were 2835, 3195, 4923, 5608, 7770, 5110, 2743, 5092 and 3451 ppm in samples 2, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, respectively. Potassium recorded 2838, 4811, 3184, and 2021ppm in samples 1, 3, 8 and 9, respectively. Silicon recorded 5206 ppm for sample 4 and 5253 ppm for sample 7. Calcium and potassium were observed to have concentration level that is greater than 1000 ppm in all the studied samples, hence it can be said that calcium and potassium are major trace element of wood. The concentrations of the elements identified have no immediate health concern on environment and human, therefore the studied tropical woods safe for use as fuel and other purposes.

Performance of coated tungsten carbide in milling composite boards

The purpose of this research was to analyze the performance (wear resistance, surface roughness, chip formation, and noise level) of AlCrN, TiN, and TiAlN coated tungsten carbides in cutting composite boards. The composite boards of wood plastic composite, laminated veneer lumber, and oriented strand board were cut by the coated tungsten carbide tools in a computer numerical control router. The results show that the differences in structure among the composite boards resulted in the difference in clearance wear, chip formation, surface roughness, and noise level phenomenon. The abrasive materials in wood plastic composite generated the highest clearance wear on the coated carbide tools tested. TiAlN coated carbide tool provided better wear resistance, smoother composite boards surfaces, and lower noise levels.

Effects of heat treatment on some chemical compound and mechanical properties of black pine wood

In this study, effects of heat treatment on bending strength, compression strength, chemical compound and solubility of Black pine wood (Pinus nigra J.F. var. seneriana) was examined. For this purpose, Black pine wood samples were kept in temperature of 250°C for 2 hours. Test results of heat-treated Black pine wood and control samples indicated that mechanical characteristics including compression strength and bending strength were affected negatively with heat treatment. Bending strength of heat treated and non-treated test samples were 129 and 76 N.mm-2, respectively. Compression strength of heat treated and non-treated test samples were 53 and 43 N.mm-2, resp. In addition, level of extractives, cellulose and hemicellulose decreased while lignin content increased with percentage of 40%. Significant decreases occurred in all chemical solubility values.

Influence of ultra low and high temperature on enzymatic pretreatment of beech branches wood

The publication is focused on the effect of ultra low and high temperature on enzymatic pretreatment of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.). Two fractions < 0.7 mm and 1.0 – 2.5 mm of disintegrated branches sawdust were used for experiments. Glucose and xylose yields were measured after 24, 48, and 72 hours of enzymatic hydrolysis with 15 % load of the enzyme measured to total cellulose content. The influence of freezing under -80°C and boiling under pressure at +160°C on samples before enzymatic hydrolysis was observed. Mutual combination of boiling under pressure to obtain the maximum water uptake and subsequent freezing was used to better understand the process of cell destruction. The results show that the boiling pretreatment has a positive influence on the total monosaccharide yields and the subsequent freezing may slightly increase these yields even further. The maximum monosaccharide conversion (73.24%) was achieved using the fraction < 0.7 mm.

Effects of stand density on turpentine terpene components and resin duct morphological structure of Pinus massoniana

The influence of stand density on the resin duct morphological structure and terpene components of Pinus massoniana were studied. The resin duct morphological characteristics and the relative content of the terpene components were investigated by microscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, respectively. The experimental results revealed that there was a specific correlation between the stand density and resin duct area, resin duct diameter, and the relative contents of main terpene components in the turpentine extracts. Additionally, the relative contents of β-pinene and (+)-camphene were positively correlated with stand density, with correlation coefficients of 0.8208 and 0.5539, respectively. In contrast, the relative contents of (+)-longifolene and (+)-longicyclene were negatively correlated with stand density, with correlation coefficients of -0.5750 and -0.7726, respectively, and α-pinene, β-caryophyllene, and (+)-α-longipinene had no correlation with stand density. The relative content of (+)-α-pinene was negatively correlated with the relative contents of both (+)-longifolene and (+)-longicyclene, with correlation coefficients of -0.8770 and -0.8914, respectively. There were positive correlations between the relative contents of (+)-longifolene and (+)-longicyclene with correlation coefficient of 0.9718, (+)-longifolene and (+)-α-longipinene with correlation coefficient of 0.8399, β-caryophyllene and (+)-α-longipinene with correlation coefficient of 0.9360, and (+)-longicyclene and (+)-α-longipinene with correlation coefficient of 0.8626.

Agro-forestry residues valorization by ligninosome of Grifola frondosa

Grifola frondosa HAI 1232 was tested for ligninolytic enzyme activities and for lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose degradation during cultivation on eight common agro-forestry residues in Serbia. Wheat straw was favorable lignocellulosic for the production of Mn-dependent and Mn-independent peroxidases (2513.89 and 354.17 U L-1, respectively), while selected residues inhibited the synthesis of laccases. The highest lignin removal was observed during fermentation of blackberry sawdust (36.75%), while the highest selectivity index was recorded on oak sawdust (4.34). The dry matter loss varied between 8.17% in corn stalks and 14.16% in apple sawdust. According to the presented results, it can be concluded that G. frondosa HAI 1232 could be an important participant in various biotechnological processes due to its high capacity to selectively degrade different agro-forestry residues.

Four solvent extraction of Cinnamomum camphora xylem and analysis of the anti-fungal activity of the extractives

Four solvents including distilled water, acetone, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether were used to extract xylem of C. camphora. The differences in chemical compounds of xylem of C. camphora were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and the anti-fungal activity of C. camphora extractives on Coriolus versicolor (CV), Trametes versicolor (TV), Poria vaporaria (PP) and Gloeophyllum trabeum (GT) were tested. The result showed that the chemical composition and relative content of the four different solvent extracts were different. A large number of chemical compounds in the C. camphora extractives had a variety of biological activity and certain application value. The growth inhibitory rates of ethyl acetate extracts of C. camphora on PP, CV, TV and GT were 52.24%, 52.51%, 43.26%, and 54.63%, respectively. According to the concentration for 50% of maximal effect, the inhibitory order on test fungus were GT > PP > CV > TV.

Application of photometry in determining the dust mass concentration of hardwoods

Given the carcinogenicity of hardwood dust, the aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the photometric method for different types of woodworking machines and its application in determining the mass concentration of inhalable dust for raw and dry hardwoods. In addition to the optical part of the device, the input part of the measuring device contains the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) inhalable dust filter holder. This correlation of gravimetric and photometric methods in determining the dust mass concentration showed that photometry underestimates the mass concentration measured gravimetrically. The results of this study recommend the application of a correction factor 2 for a timber band saw and a correction factor 3 for circular saws in determining the mass concentration of hardwood dust by the photometric method. It was showed that photometry can be used if the correction factor of the optical device has been previously tested for specific wood processing place.

The briquettes properties from seed sunflower husk and wood larch shavings

The paper aims to use the residue of sunflower seed hulls to obtain organic briquettes and to improve their properties by using larch shavings obtained in the process of solid wood planning. The physical-mechanical properties of briquettes made on a hydraulic machine, calorific value, ash content and volatile content were evaluated. The obtain results highlighted the briquettes obtained from larch waste, but also the acceptable characteristics of the briquettes obtained from sunflower seed husks. The main conclusions of this study is that briquettes obtained from unprocessed sunflower seed husks are acceptable in terms of physical-mechanical and calorific characteristics, even if they do not reach the level of briquettes obtained from larch shavings.

Analysis of CO2 as bioindicator of termite degradation in wood structures

The research performed exhaustive experiments to help better understand how subterranean termite colonies function in their biodegradation activity in wooden structural elements. Specifically, the research had as main objectives to analyse the usefulness of CO2 as a bioindicator of the presence of termites and their wood biodegradation activity. The obtained results have demonstrated that CO2 emissions of termite colonies vary depending on their wood degradation activity. So, the amount of CO2 emitted is closely linked to the population size and activity levels. The obtained relationship between the CO2 concentration and time for different population sizes can predict termite biodegradation severity and help establish predictive models for pest monitoring in wood structures.

2D-DIGE identification of proteins in wood-forming tissue of Pinus koraiensis seedling stem after artificial bending treatment

Compression wood is an ideal model for exploring the molecular mechanism of wood formation. To supplement the proteome data in compression wood formation, two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) proteome technology was used to investigate the protein response to bending the stem of Pinus koraiensis seedlings. The results showed that most of the proteins in wood-formation tissues were distributed in pH from 4-8 and the molecular weight was around 30-97 KDa. In total 24 identified proteins were mainly functional on amino acid metabolism, cell wall synthesis, secondary metabolism, and stress response. Proteins related to methionine pathway and lignin biosynthesis were up-regulated in the formation of the compression wood. On the contrary, lipid metabolism-related proteins were down-regulated during the formation of the compression wood. In additional, some proteins involved in energy metabolism and photosystem were also changed in the tissues during the formation of the compression wood. These findings suggested that 2D-DIGE was a feasible and timesaving technology in proteome analysis of wood-forming tissue. Moreover, proteins were not involved in lignin synthesis pathways, but other metabolites were changed as a response to stem bent treatment. The identified proteins in compression wood formation insight to further investigating the molecular mechanism of wood cell wall biosynthesis.

The effect of silver salts on the properties of sugarcane bagasse cellulose

In this study, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) methods were used to study the structure and the thermal degradation of the cellulose modified with silver nitrate, silver sulphate and silver borate. The absorption of the nitrate derivative is more intense followed by the borate. All the cellulose derivatives showed two degradation steps, except for bromate derivatives which indicated the third peak that is related to a nature and chemistry of a derivative presence. The modification seems competent for an application for modified fillers in polymer composites.

Dimensional stability of nano-SiO2/emulsified wax modified CuAz-treated wood after one year outdoor exposure test

Samples were vacuum-pressure treated with nano-SiO2 water solutions with BET specific surface area of 60,150, 200, 380 respectively, and then impregnated with copper azole (CuAz) preservatives or emulsified wax modified CuAz preservatives. The effects of emulsified wax and nano-SiO2 on the dimensional stability were investigated according to standard GB/T 1934 (2009) after one year outdoor exposure test. The results showed that the addition of nano-SiO2 or/and emulsified wax could reduce the water absorption rate of treated wood, and the best water repellent was observed in the samples treated with BET specific surface area of 60 m2.g-1. The addition of wax into nano-SiO2 modified wood was essential to improve the radial and tangential swelling and shrinkage stability of nano-SiO2 treated wood. The bigger BET specific surface area of nano-SiO2 would be adversely affected the dimensional stability of the treated wood.

Reaction phases of the wood constituents’ degradation during kraft cooking of spruce chips

In this study, the changes of the individual constituents of wood, mainly lignin fraction, and carbohydrate fraction of partially delignified wood chips were investigated. The concentration of alkali during kraft cooking of spruce chips were characterized with respect to the time of kraft cooking, consumed alkali and also to the time-temperature variable (H-factor). The observation brought a new fact, that the extraction of lignin and degradation of the carbohydrate fraction as well as the wood residue itself, were realized in two different reaction phases: initial and residual. The power form dependences between the studied constituents of the wood during kraft cooking were interpreted in a logarithmic coordinate system by the straight line relationship.

Accelerated weathering performance of Scots pine preimpregnated with copper based chemicals before varnish coating. Part II: Coated with water based varnish

This study was designed to investigate some surface characteristics such as gloss, color, and surface hardness changes of Scots pine wood preimpregnated with some copper-based chemicals before varnish coating after accelerated weathering. While Adolit KD-5 (AD-KD 5), Wolmanit CX-8 (WCX-8), and Celcure AC-500 (CAC-500) were used as copper-based impregnation chemicals, water-based varnish (WBV) was used as a coating material. Results showed that surface hardness and gloss values of Scots pine were increased after accelerated weathering. Impregnated and WBV coated Scots pine gave better surface characteristics compared to only WBV coated Scots pine. In impregnation chemicals, while AD-KD 5 showed the most appropriate chemical, in terms of surface hardness and total color changes, CAC-500 was found the most valuable chemical in terms of gloss changes after 1000 h accelerated weathering exposure.

Effects of temperature on volatile organic compounds and odor emissions of polyvinyl chloride laminated MDF

The objective of this study was to investigate odor active compounds of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) laminated medium density fiberboard (MDF) and explore the effect of temperature on total volatile organic compound (TVOC) and odor emissions. A micro thermal extractor was used based on the technology of gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy/olfactometry. The results showed that fruity, sweet, fragrant, and aromatic were the dominant odor impressions of PVC laminated MDF and were primarily concentrated in aromatics. Decoration treatment could effectively prevent the release of some odor compounds from MDF, yet these could add new odor substances. In the test period, the total odor intensity of MDF decreased more rapidly than that of PVC because of the characteristic of exposure. The TVOC from PVC increased when the temperature increased, and the effect was more significant early in the test period. Increasing temperature could accelerate the appearance of some odor active substances. The fastest release of odorant compounds occurred at 40°C. At higher temperature (60°C in this experiment), some substances could be enhanced, causing an increase in TVOC and odor. The temperature contrast between 40°C and 60°C contributed greatly to the release of alkanes, alcohols, esters, and ketones.

Stand factors affecting the wood density of naturally regenerated young silver birch growing at the lower altitude of the Czech Republic region

The objective of this study was to investigate the basic wood density (ρk) of the silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) trees in relation to the stand structure. This research was conducted in three stands of different structure and ages, located in the region of the lower part of the Jeseníky Mountains in the Czech Republic. In total, 71 healthy dominant silver birch trees were randomly selected. Two samples (cores) were taken per tree for performing the tree-ring width analysis and ρk determination. We found that the average ρk of the three examined stands ranged from 471.8 to 494.6 kg. m-3. The older trees showed a high variation of the ρk. The age of the tree and stem diameter positively influenced the ρk. Nevertheless, it was noted that the slenderness ratio had a negative influence on the ρk. Overall, the prediction of wood density using stand and tree characteristics, even when the management history records are available, remains a complex hypothesis.

Study on mixed biomass binderless composite based on simulated wood

This article describes techniques used to study mixed biomass fiberboards based on the simulation of wood composition, in which high-strength bamboo could serve as wood cellulose, low-density poplar could serve as wood hemicelluloses, and lignin-rich walnut shells could serve as wood lignin. The effects of different material mass ratios on board properties were discussed, and the bonding mechanisms of the mixed binderless composites were analyzed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Experimental results showed that the simulation could identify bio-fiberboard compositions with good performance.

Internal fiberglass mesh reinforced bark-based panels

One-layer bark panels were internally reinforced with two different grid sizes fiberglass mesh sheets (M1 and M2). The thermal conductivity, water absorption, thickness swelling, static bending properties and internal bond strength of these panels were tested. The reinforcement doesn’t affect the thermal conductivity, but the physical and mechanical properties of the panel were improved. The thickness swelling was reduced by 7.43% and 12.93%; the water uptake decreased by 4.93% and 16.32% for the M1 and M2 sheets, respectively. MOR increased from 0.54 MPa to 2.44 and 2.1 MPa, and MOE increased from 0.28 GPa to 0.66 and 0.63 GPa, respectively. The internal bond didn’t change. The findings indicate that it is possible to produce internal reinforced bark panels for insulation materials depending on the characteristics and tensile properties of the reinforcing materials, as well as the adhesion properties and interfacial interaction of the composite materials.