Articles

Axial compressive creep behaviour of a square steel tube/bamboo plywood composite column with binding bars

Four specimens of a thin-walled square steel tube/bamboo plywood composite hollow column with binding bars (SBCCB) were each subjected to an axial compressive creep test and a subsequent axial compression test to examine their axial compressive creep behavior and post-creep compressive failure modes as well as to analyze the effects of long-term loading on the ultimate axial compression-bearing capacity of the SBCCB. The results show that the axial compressive creep strain decreased with increasing slenderness ratio and increased with increasing axial compressive stress. The creep–time curves of the specimens with various slenderness ratios all exhibited a transient creep stage and a steady-stage stage. Temperature and humidity variations affected local creep behavior. Creep significantly affected the axial compression-bearing capacity as well as the axial and lateral deformability of the SBCCB. The rheological mechanics-based Burgers model can well predict the creep strain development of the SBCCB.

Impact of UV irradiance on selected parameters of Scots pine impregnated with some commonly used fire-retardants

This study was designed to determine some selected parameters such as gloss, surface roughness, and color changes of Scots pine wood impregnated with commonly used fireretardant (FR) chemicals after UV irradiance. Sodium acetate (SA), ammonium chlorite (AC), zinc chlorite (ZC), ammoniumsulphate (AS), and di ammonium phosphate (DAP) were used as fire retardants. Wood specimens were prepared from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Before test, wood specimens were impregnated with 5 % aqueous solution of chemicals according to ASTM D 1413-76 standard. Results showed that UV irradiance caused gloss loss and increase surface roughness of FR impregnated and un-treated (control) Scots pine specimen. DAP was the most effective chemical in terms of reducing gloss loss and surface roughness of Scots pine after 750 h UV irradiance exposure. UV irradiance caused a dark, reddish, and yellowish color of impregnated and un-treated (control) Scots pine specimen after all UV irradiance periods. Total color changes in color (∆E*) exhibited a systematic trend to higher values with increasing UV irradiance time. Total color changes of ZC impregnated Scots pine were the lowest after 750 h UV irradiance exposure.

Prediction of compression strength of wood usually used in ancient timber buildings by using resistograph and screw withdrawal tests

Ultimate compression strength parallel to grain (UCS) of wood is one of important performance to evaluate the structural security of old wood buildings. Poplar wood (Populus tomentosa Carrière), Chinese larch wood (Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Kuzen.) and Chinese fir wood (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) were selected as the models in this paper. The aim of study is to predict UCS of wood by using resistograph and screw withdrawal methods. Compared with the screw withdrawal method (SW), resistograph method (RM) is generally more reliable, but because of the expenses involved, SW should also be considered as a much cheaper alternative. The results showed that the correlation coefficient between the RM and the UCS ranged from 0.5 to 0.7. The correlation coefficient between the double-start thread screw withdrawal force (SWDST) and the UCS distributed from 0.1 to 0.65, while the values of coefficients for the singlestart thread screw withdrawal (SWSST) differed from 0.4 to 0.65. In screw withdrawal method, greater pitch of screw resulted in higher correlation coefficient.

Relationship between structural parameters and water absorption of bleached softwood and hardwood kraft pulps

The influence of porosity, relative bonded area and air permeability on water absorption of unbeaten and beaten bleached kraft pulps from different wood species used for tissue paper production was investigated. The water absorption was determined by four different methods such as absorption of water after immersion, initial water absorption, water absorption capacity and saturation rate with water. Linear dependences between water absorption parameters and the structural parameters of individual pulps as well as all tested pulps were obtained. The correlation coefficients obtained within individual bleached kraft pulps were from 0.95 to 1.00 and within the whole group of pulps were from 0.86 to 0.98. Relative bonded area and air permeability were found to be the most suitable parameters for predicting of initial water absorption and saturation rate with water.

A comparative study of sugarcane bagasse and soft wood

This article investigated properties of different lignocellulosic biomasses. Both acidified and non-acidified sodium chlorite were used to treat wood chips and sugar cane bagasse. Images were part of characterizations that included X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Interestingly the results indicated that biomasses followed the similar crystallinity trend while thermal stability and functional groups on the cellulose surface seemed to differ. All the FT-IR spectra showed 8 main peaks but spectra of bagasse have an additional peak. Stretching vibrations of the O-Hand the C-H stretching group in cellulose molecules were clear for all biomasses. The treatment clearly removed most of aromatic compounds normally attributed to lignin and hemicellulose.

NSSC pulping of Miscanthus giganteus and birch wood Part 2: A comparison of papermaking potential and strength properties

In this paper we compare the anatomical features (number of fibrous elements in the pulp unit, fiber length, diameter of fibers and lumens, coefficients of slenderness, flexibility and the Runkel coefficient) of both Miscanthus giganteus and birch wood. The raw materials were tested prior to pulping, after pulping and after refining. Comparisons of defibering ability and selected strength properties (CMT, SCT, tear resistance, burst) allowed evaluating the papermaking potential of neutral sulfite pulps obtained from the above-mentioned raw materials.

Alkaline solvent cooking treatment of cork and component analysis of filtrates

This study aimed to determine the effects of alkaline solvent treatment on the physical properties of cork, and to analysis the filtrate components of cork after cooking treatment. Potassium hydroxide (KOH), alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP), and ammonium hydroxide (AOH) were used as solvents. The properties of treated cork including color, volume, hardness, compression resilience ratio, and filtrate components of different solvent treatments were investigated. The results showed an increase in the cork’s volume, changes in color, and decrease in lightness after three solvent treatments. Hardness and compression resilience decreased after three solvents cooking, and the difference in the compression resilience ratio between 15 min and 24 h was at a minimum when cork was cooked in KOH solvent. The analyses of filtrate components after KOH and AHP cooking treatments indicated that the hemicelluloses content was generally higher than lignin content. Moreover, water-soluble lignin, obtained from the three solvent filtrates, consisted of a small amount of monosaccharides, such as arabinan, galactan, glucan, and xylan. Nuclear magnetism (NMR) spectra analysis demonstrated that the lignin in KOH and AOH filtrates consisted of G units and H units, while S units only appeared in KOHimmersed lignin. This study shows that solvent treatment changes cork’s physical and chemical properties based on the solvent type and concentration.

Efficiency of bark for reduction of formaldehyde emission from particleboards

Bark is much underutilized material. Most of the bark is used as fuel and for landscaping but there are still significant amounts of unused bark, hence creating a problem when disposed. Due to the aspects like colour, shape/size and ratio, and mechanical properties, bark is not a desired constituent for particleboard production. One of the possible uses of bark is related to its chemical compositions, specifically due to the phenolic-like components, bark can be used as formaldehyde scavenger.The aim of the paper is to present the usability of bark as particleboard formaldehyde scavenger. Single-layer particleboard made from wood particles spruce (Picea abies) and pine (Pinus sp.) bark mixture using urea-formaldehyde and melamine-urea formaldehyde as resin were tested for formaldehyde release. The formaldehyde release was determined by the Perforator method (EN 12460-5), gas analysis (EN 12460-3) and Flask method (EN 717-3). The experiment showed that the presence of bark lowers the formaldehyde release.

Sustainable activated carbon hollow fibers from liquefied rubber wood (Hevea brasiliensis) and its adsorption of organic matter from solution

Wooden activated carbon hollow fiber (WACHF) is successfully synthesized from liquefied rubber wood (Hevea brasiliensis) using H2O activation. The structures of WACHF are studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and N2 adsorption. The effects of activation temperature on methylene blue (MB) and iodine adsorption property were also studied. Results show that both wood hollow fiber (WHF) and WACHF have a smooth surface and hollow fibrous structure with an average hollowness of about 76.43%. With increased activation temperature, the graphite-like microcrystalline structure has been formed. In addition, WACHF has high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area (1949 m2.g-1) and total pore volume (1.246 cm3.g-1), where the contribution for micropores is 47.4% and 46.3% for the mesopores. At 800°C, the MB adsorption and iodine adsorption of WACHF reach the maximal values of 412.6 mg. g-1 and 1123.7 mg. g-1, respectively. As a result, WACHF with double surface structures has great BET surface area and excellent adsorption property.

Methodology of pilot-scale studies on pulse-jet filtration of air polluted with wood dust

This article describes in detail the construction and operation of the test rig employed for experimental pulse-jet filtration of air polluted with small wood particles created during machining. It enables evaluation of filter media used for wood dust separation and examination of influence of filtration conditions on the filter performance. Exemplary results of some experiments were presented to illustrate research possibilities of the testing filter and the method. More detailed results of studies on the filtration mechanisms and key parameters which determine the performance of a filter will be presented in further papers.

Lignin and sugars contents of Liriodendron tulipifera L. sawdust immersed in acidic/alkaline solutions and the fuel characteristics of wood pellets fabricated with the sawdust

This study was conducted to determine the lignin and sugars contents of yellow poplar (YP) sawdust immersed in tap water (TW), sulfuric acid (AC) and sodium hydroxide (AK) solutions. Klason lignin content of TW- and AC-immersed YP sawdust was higher than that of AK-immersed YP sawdust. Glucose showed the highest content among sugars extracted from YP sawdust. Durability of non-immersed YP pellets was the highest, followed by TW-, AC- and AK-immersed YP pellets. YP pellets became more durable by increasing the Klason lignin and xylose contents as well as decreasing the glucose content. Through microscopic observations and quantitative analysis of lignin distribution, lignin content on the surface of non-immersed YP pellets was higher than that of TW-, AC- and AK-immersed YP pellets. In conclusion, there are significant correlations between lignin or sugars contents of YP sawdust and fuel characteristics of wood pellets fabricated with the YP sawdust.

Influence of cutting conditions on kickback speed in milling wood materials

An analysis of accidents has shown that many fatal and serious accidents during woodworking result from kickback. This study assessed the influence of cutting conditions on hazards associated with kickback in milling wood materials. The research concerned the severity of hazards but not the probability of kickback. The speed of kickback was accepted as the quantitative measure of these hazards. An original method of kickback experimental testing on unique research test stand was applied. The speed of kickback was measured in different cutting conditions. The experiment involved controlled changes in cutting conditions, such as the type of cutting tool, cutting speed, machined material, and tool wear. Statistical analysis of the results verified some common opinions and ideas on the impact of basic cutting conditions on the hazards resulting from kickback during milling of wood materials. In some cases, the results of empirical testing did not confirm the commonplace opinions.

The effect of thermal modification by hot pressing on the some physical and mechanical properties in rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis)

Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) was thermal modified by hot pressing in an open system at three different temperatures (170, 185, 200°C) and two different durations (1.5, 3 h), and the effect on the physical and mechanical properties was studied. Results show that the thermal modification increased the oven-dried density and decreased the EMC (equilibrium moisture content) by 7.93% and 37.15%, respectively, and the dimensions stability was improved. Hardness, bending strength, modulus of bending and compressive strength parallel to grain of modified samples basically decreased with increasing temperature and time, but they showed a meaningful increase compared to control samples. However, impacting bending and nail withdrawal resistance decreased after hot pressing and thermal treatment, and the failure of the compensation for the impairment was the rubberwood hot pressed and thermal treated in the presence of air, and the participation of oxygen provoked rapid degradation reactions during the treatment.

Study on color and surface chemical properties of Eucalyptus pellita wood subjected to thermo-vacuum treatment

The objective of this study was to investigate the color and surface chemical properties of Eucalyptus pellita wood subjected to thermo-vacuum treatment. Specimens were thermally modified in a vacuum at various temperatures for 4 h. The color parameters of untreated and heattreated samples were measured using the CIE Lab method. Surface chemical properties were evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, 13C NMR spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that eucalypt wood became darker uniformly throughout with the increase of treatment temperature, and the total color variation ΔE* obviously increased at higher temperature. The spectral changes indicated that degradation and oxidation of hemicellulose, lignin and extractives contributed to the formation of color substances during thermo-vacuum treatment. Crystalline content of carbohydrates increased. The decrease in O/C ratio signified the increase of the relative content of lignin and extractives on the wood surfaces in the heating process.

Various lignocellulosic raw materials pretreatment processes utilizable for increasing holocellulose accessibility for hydrolytic enzymes Part I: Evaluation of wheat straw pretreatment processes

New requirements for the biofuels industry force individual enterprises to develop various procedures for newly selected substrates pretreatments that could be applicable in processing of large quantities of raw materials. Even greater pressures are on second-generation biofuels producers justified by selection of waste lignocellulosic substrates and methods of substrate processing. Among the most suitable lignocellulosic raw materials in Slovak Republic (SR) for 2G bioethanol production is wheat straw. This raw material (Senec region, SR) for enzymatic hydrolysis was pretreated by dry milling (Brabender), cyclic freezing and thawing, wet milling (Sprout Waldron), two-step process of steam explosion at 180°C and extrusion at 145°C and one-step process of steam explosion at different temperatures. Wheat straw holocellulose accessibility was tested by adsorption of three commercially available dyes (Pylam Products Company, Inc., USA). Absorptivity coefficient of each dye at its maximum wavelength was determined from individual calibration curves of dyes and their values resulted ranging from 13.78 to 19.52 dm3.g-1.cm-1. The absorption of solution was measured and concentration of residual dye was calculated at given wavelength. The accessibility of holocellulose contained in wheat straw pretreated by steam explosion was controlled by SEM (scanning electron microscope) in correlation with the ratio of adsorbed dyes according to the modified Simons’ method.

Prediction of the mechanical properties of thermally-modified rubber wood on the basic of its surface characteristic

The goal of this research was to investigate the effect of thermal treatment on mechanical properties and surface characteristic of rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) and find the mathematical model to predict the mechanical properties used by its surface characteristic. Rubberwood specimens were treated by steaming at five different temperature levels of 170, 185, 200, 215, and 230°C for two different durations of 1.5 and 3 h. Based on the results, the values of bending strength, modulus of elasticity, compression strength and impact bending decreased, and the glossiness and chromatic aberration (∆E) increased with increasing temperature and enlarging duration further. This study revealed that chromaticity parameters b*, ∆E and the gloss of perpendicular to grain (GZT) could evaluate the mechanical properties of thermally-modified wood to achieve the mechanical properties detection without destruction.

Some surface characteristics of varnished thermowood after weathering

This study was designed to investigate some surface characteristics such as glossiness and surface roughness changes of varnished thermowood after six months of weathering. Thermal modification of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) wood were carried out by hot air in an oven for 1, 2, and 3 hours at 205, 215, and 225°C. After the modification process, wood specimens were varnished using a polyurethane varnish (PV) and cellulosic varnish (CV). The natural weathering process caused an increase in the surface roughness of the test specimens according to the test results. The Scots pine and Oriental beech test specimens which were heat treated and varnished gave more favorable results compared to only varnish test specimens after natural weathering in terms of surface characteristics such as surface roughness and glossiness. Generally, as the heat treatment time and temperature increase, it is observed that the surface characteristics of the Scots pine and Oriental beech wood specimens improve positively. According to the results of the tests, the samples varnished with polyurethane varnish gave better results in terms of surface roughness at the end of the natural weathering process, whereas the samples varnished with cellulosic varnish gave better results in terms of glossiness values.

Comparison of Miscanthus giganteus and birch wood nssc pulping Part I: The effects of technological conditions on certain pulp properties

Chemical composition and susceptibility to delignification by neutral sulfate liquor of Miscanthus giganteus stems and of birch wood were compared. The yield of pulping as well as degree and selectivity of delignification were tested in various technological conditions (cooking time, hydro module, alkali charge). Having a similar chemical composition, Miscanthus giganteus stems are subjected to quicker and deeper delignification with neutral sulfite liquor than birch wood. This phenomenon is probably associated with differences in the qualitative composition of lignin, distribution of lignin in the cell walls and in the morphological features of both raw materials.

Effects of wood preservatives on the combustion process and combustion quality of wood

This study examines the combustion properties of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis L.) in 3 stages (CWF, SC and EC) according to ASTM E 160-50 (1975). Wood samples were impregnated with Tanalith-E (T) and Wolmanit-CB (WC) and then were varnished with Synthetic (St) and water based (wb) varnishes. When the combustion was completed, the weight loss, combustion temperatures, illuminance values, total time of combustion, and demolition time were measured. As the result, illuminance value of Oriental beech wood decreased, while the smoke density increased. Scots pine was later destroyed in the combustion process. Areas with a risk of fire are advised to use pine wood instead of beech. Wolmanit-CB and synthetic varnish reduced the temperature and illuminance values. Oriental beech, Tanalith-E, and synthetic varnish resulted in the highest temperatures for all combustion stages. This triple interaction increased total combustion time values by more than 90% when compared with the control samples.

Energy characteristics of wood and charcoal of selected tree species in Mexico

This study determines the main energy characteristics of wood and charcoal within five tree species of the forest of Ixtlán de Juárez, Oaxaca, México: Alnus acuminata, Arbutus xalapensis, Myrsine juergensenii, Persea longipes and Prunus serotina. Basic density, moisture content, charcoal yield, volatile material, ash content, high heating value, fixed carbon and fuel value index were determined for each one. The average results of the species are in the range of 0.372 to 0.498 g. cm-3 for wood density; 26.19 to 34.12% for charcoal yield; 77.29 to 83.66% for wood volatile matter and 28.40 to 34.25% for charcoal volatile matter; 0.56 to 1.50% for wood ash and 1.13 to 4.83% for charcoal; 19.50 to 24.99 MJ. kg-1 for high heating value of wood and 29.38 to 32.11 MJ. kg-1 for charcoal. It was determined that these species provide a good alternative for burning wood and charcoal. Additionally, these remain untapped resources in the Sierra Juárez region, meaning that awareness and inclusion in management plans could be of relative importance to the development of the forestry sector.