Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis of the Changes in Chemical Composition of Wooden Components: Part II—The Ancient Building of Danxia Temple

Abstract To investigate the decay extent of wooden components in ancient buildings Danxia Temple, absorption peak intensities, changes chemical components, and cellulose crystallinity red oak (Quercus sp.), birch (Betula maple (Pterocarya sp.) were determined analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The results are as follows: (1) intensities representing hemicellulose decreased or disappeared obviously decayed wood (DROW); on contrary, those lignin increased. indexes content cellulose, hemicellulose, also decreased; Those indicated that DROW largely degraded by brown-rot fungi. (2) both (DBW) (DMW), whereas decreased, showed DBW DMW seriously harmed not only insects but By comparison, fungal damage was lower than DBW.