Discrimination between softwood and hardwood based on hemicellulose content obtained with portable nuclear magnetic resonance

Abstract Wood is a hygroscopic material that can reach an equilibrium moisture content when ambient temperature and relative humidity are constant. Moisture affects all properties of wood, as well its preservative treatment. The behavior wood be attributed to the hydroxyl groups constituents. Since hemicellulose shows greatest water affinity, it considered main responsible for ingress into mass. Below fiber saturation point, only stored in cell walls. Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) method used evaluation distribution NMR relaxation excellent tool study different woods below point. This work aimed test hypothesis discriminating among softwoods hardwoods botanical species identifying further sub-clusters based on proton spin–spin ( T 2 ) spin–lattice 1 times their wall range. Importantly, was performed using portable low-cost instrument with which possible investigate samples any size. result this at RH = 94% time 2,2 , associated bound water, marker discriminate hardwoods. Graphical abstract