Fluorescence Microscopy of Hardboards

Authors

  • Lidija Murmanis
  • Gary C. Myers
  • John A. Youngquist

Keywords:

Hardboards, wet-formed, dry-formed, embedding, fluorescence microscopy, resin distribution

Abstract

We developed a microscopic technique and used it to explore the internal structure and resin distribution in hardboards. The technique will enable us better to understand the behavior of hard-boards in use. Glycol methacrylate (JB-4 embedding medium) proved to be satisfactory for preparing 10- to 15-μm sections of hardboards with a steel knife on a sliding microtome. This thickness of sample, when viewed in transmitted near-ultraviolet light, allowed a clear visualization of hardboard internal structure and resin distribution through the board thickness. We examined wet-formed and dry-formed hardboard samples. Wet-formed high-density and medium-density boards usually showed fibers consolidated into a compact structure and a uniform resin distribution. Dry-formed high-density boards had a compact structure and medium-density boards a less compact structure; both characteristically showed uneven resin distribution.

References

Bennett, S., A. D. Wyrick, S. W. Lee, and J. H. McNeil. 1976. Science and art in preparing tissues embedded in plastic for light microscopy, with special reference to glycol methacrylate, glass knives and simple stains. Stain Technol. 51(2):71-96.nFuruno, T., C-Y. Hse, and W. A. Côté. 1984. Observation of microscopic factors affecting strength and dimensional properties of hardwood flakeboard. Proceedings Seventeenth Washington State University International Particleboard/Composite Materials Series, March 29-31, 1983, Pullman, WA.nKruse, N., and N. Parameswaran. 1978. Mikrotechnologische Untersuchungen an Rindenplatten. Holz Roh- Werkst. 36:225-233.nLehmann, W. F. 1968. Resin distribution in flakeboard shown by ultraviolet light photography. For. Prod. J. 18:32-34.nMyers, G. C., and J. B. Crist. 1985. Feasibility of manufacturing hardboard from short rotation intensively cultured Populus (in press).nSemba, R. 1979. Contributions to semithin sectioning on a conventional rotary microtome. Stain Technol. 54(5):251-255.n

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Published

2007-06-28

Issue

Number 2 / April 1986

Section

Research Contributions

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