Combined X-ray diffraction tomography imaging of tension and opposite wood tissues in young hybrid aspen saplings

Abstract Combining spatially localized X-ray diffraction (XRD) with microtomography (XMT) enables the mapping of micro- and nanoscale structures simultaneously. The combination these methods results in a powerful tool when considering structural studies hierarchical materials, allowing one to couple relationships connections at various scales. In this study, XMT was used map anatomy cellular 3D tension opposite wood 1.5 µm resolution, while XRD determine cellulose crystallite widths microfibril orientations 100 spatial resolution within same tissues. Tension (TW) has an important biological function clearly distinct properties (OW) normal wood, e.g. differing higher content. This is first study very young hybrid aspen saplings (1-month-old) using combined tomography method. TW tissues could be identified from OW based on both results: had average size crystallites smaller mean angles (mMFA) than those OW. With data, we were able reconstruct images cross sections parameters (cellulose width mMFA) as contrast mechanisms. As far authors know, there are no previous any samples XRD-based contrast. Home laboratory bench-top set-up offers its advantages for studies, number characterized, time-dependent larger field views.