Wood and Fiber Science

Evaluation of relationships between age-related changes in radial growth increments of stems and wood properties in Paulownia tomentosa trees grown in Fukushima, Japan

2024-05-29T15:13:17-07:00

The information on the relationship between age-related changes in stem size and wood properties is essential for promoting plantation forestry and wood utilization using fast-growing tree species. In this study, age-related changes in radial growth increments of stems and wood properties were preliminarily examined using mixed-effects modeling in about 25-year-old Paulownia tomentosa trees planted in Fukushima, Japan. Gompertz model was well-fitted to age-related changes in stem diameter. The cambial ages showing the maximum current annual increment and mean annual increment estimated by the radial growth model were 5.4 and 7.3 yrs, respectively. Although radial growth decreased after certain cambial age, the mean annual increment value still showed more than 2 cm per yr until 25 yrs. Most anatomical characteristics increased from the pith and stabilized towards the cambium. On the other hand, physical and mechanical properties were stable from the pith towards the cambium: the fixed-effect parameter estimates in the selected y-intercept model were 0.29 g • cm^–3 for air-dry density, 4.02 GPa for MOE, and 40.3 MPa for MOR, respectively. Thus, a large volume of xylem with low and stable values of physical and mechanical properties was produced for more than 20 yrs, suggesting that the rotation age of the plantation of this species can be determined from the viewpoints of wood quantity.In addition, the wood that forms at any cambial age can be used for utility applications.

Performance of Bamboo Fiber Core Board as Sofa Cushion Material

2024-07-10T14:51:36-07:00

Bamboo fiber is a resourceful and environmentally friendly elastic material, therefore, its application in sofa upholstery material minimizes the environmental problems associated with traditional polyurethane foam. In order to explore the feasibility of bamboo fiber core board as the sofa cushion material, the indentation hardness, support factor, deformation recovery, and constant-load impact fatigue loss of two types of Bamboo Fiber Core Board were analyzed. The mechanical properties of two types of bamboo fiber core boards were compared with polyurethane foam commonly used as padding material for sofa upholstery. The results showed that, compared with the Moso bamboo fiber core boards, the yellow bamboo fiber core boards had better resilience, lower indentation hardness, better support performance, and less performance loss after fatigue. In addition, after fatigue treatment, the thickness loss of yellow bamboo fiber core board was greater than that of PU foam, but the loss of hardness was less, and the loss of elasticity performance was the same as that of medium-soft foam. Moreover, the resilience of the yellow bamboo fiber core board was the same as that of medium-soft sofa foam with a density of 35 kg/m³. Yellow bamboo fiber core board has the possibility of replacing sofa polyurethane foam cushion material in practical applications. This study analyzed the mechanical properties of bamboo fiber core boards and provided a theoretical basis for the application of bamboo fibers in sofa cushion materials.

Treatments to Improve the Dimensional Stability of Refractory Woods

2024-03-30T14:19:21-07:00

Changes in wood moisture content below the fiber saturation point result in dimensional changes. This creates stresses in the wood which may manifest as checks and cracks. These impact the appearance of wood products and limit the use of wood in some applications. Many chemical treatments to improve wood stability have been developed, though they are generally only applied to wood species with high permeability. The present work investigates several commercial-scale and lab-scale modification treatments for their ability to stabilize white spruce, a refractory softwood. Modified white spruce was evaluated for weight percent gain after treatment, dimensional stability in humidity and immersion, total color change after accelerated UV exposure, and coating adhesion before and after UV exposure. All treatments improved stability with anti-swelling efficiency between 11 and 59%. However, these treatments were also associated with increased color change after accelerated UV exposure and poorer adhesion of a water-based stain. The improvements in dimensional stability were generally lower than those reported for permeable species, and it’s unclear if they would meet end-user expectations. Additional research is needed to further enhance performance and to overcome the resulting photostability and coating adhesion challenges.

Review on wood properties of indigenous tree species for pulp and paper production

2024-05-12T09:41:43-07:00

REVIEW ON WOOD PROPERTIES OF INDIGENOUS TREE SPECIES FOR PULP AND PAPER PRODUCTION

Abstract

This comparative review of the anatomical and chemical properties of indigenous tree species to determine their suitability for pulp and paper production, a sector crucial for industrial and economic development. Recognizing the critical gap in comprehensive documentation on the wood properties essential for paper production, this paper aims to serve as a benchmark for future research, guiding pulp and paper producers in selecting the most appropriate materials. It delves into the global and Indian scenarios, highlighting the pressing need for sustainable materials in the face of escalating greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector and the burgeoning demand for wood amidst dwindling supplies. By examining a variety of species, such as Albizia lebbeck, Albizia falcataria, Gmelina arborea, Melia dubia, Leucaena leucocephala, Acacia auriculiformis, and Dalbergia sissoo.The study not only explores their potential in pulp and paper production but also considers their ecological values, thereby emphasizing a holistic approach to resource utilization.

Keywords: Indigenous Tree Species, Wood Properties, Sustainable Utilization, Anatomical and Chemical Composition

Development of a Continuous Wood Surface Charge Detection Device

2024-09-01T20:48:22-07:00

Almost all woodworking processes involve mechanical friction and contact electrification, i.e. triboelectrification, between the wood surface and the woodworking tool. An electric charge is transferred from one solid surface to another when two materials come into contact with each other. Currently, there are no continuous inline-capable electrical surface charge measuring devices. The goal of this work was to create a measurement setup that can be used with a variety of woodworking processes.

The proposed continuous surface charge detection (ConSurChaD) device connects an electric fieldmeter (EFM) to a Faraday cage-style measuring box. Individual elements of the box can be mounted or dismounted to fit various wood working processes. The application of electrostatic induction principles permitted quantification of the electrostatic surface charge by measuring the accumulated electric field strength generated, expressed in kV/m. The device was compared to a reference method using a commercial discontinuous detection approach. Measurements were made simultaneously using an electrostatic voltmeter, a hand-held instrument that measured the surface charge in volts. The validation confirmed the accuracy of the ConSurChaD device ensuring the applicability for continuous measurement of electrostatic surface charges. This approach allows for a more efficient and targeted application of triboelectrification to wood surfaces, leading to improved surface coatings and other enhancements.

Wood and Fiber Science

2024-09-09T10:29:29-07:00

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