Position-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering was used to investigate the nanostructure of the wood cell wall in two softwood species (Norwegian spruce and Scots pine) and two hardwood species (pedunculate oak and copper beech). The tilt angle of the cellulose fibrils in the wood cell wall versus the longitudinal cell axis (microfibril angle) was systematically studied over a wide range of ann...

Durability-based designs with timber require reliable information about the wood properties and how they affect its performance under variable exposure conditions. This study aimed at utilizing a material resistance model (Part 2 of this publication) based on dose–response approach for predicting relative decay rates in above-ground situations. Laboratory field test data were, first time, surve...

Abstract In timber structures, knowledge of the splitting capacity beams loaded perpendicular to grain by dowel-type connections is primordial importance since brittle failure can occur. present work, single- and double-dowel-type following different edged distance arrangements are experimentally investigated derive behaviour Eucalyptus globulus L., which a hardwood species increasing interest ...

The degradability of ground hardwood by thermophilic anaerobic bacteria (Clostridium thermocellum with or without Thermoanaerobacter strain B6A) was greatly enhanced by pretreatment of the substrate with supercritical ammonia. Relative to C. thermocellum monocultures, cocultures of C. thermocellum and Thermoanaerobacter strain B6A degraded 1.5-fold more pretreated soft maple but produced 2- to ...

The authors have approximately 25 years experience in developing machine vision technology for the forest products industry. Based on this experience this paper will attempt to realistically predict what the future holds for this technology. In particular, this paper will attempt to describe some of the benefits this technology will offer, describe how the technology will probably evolve over t...

Abstract Sulphite addition during steam pretreatment of softwoods under acidic, neutral and alkaline conditions was assessed to try minimize lignin condensation. Although neutral/alkaline resulted in effective sulphonation, non-uniform size reduction observed. In contrast, acidic sulphite treatment at 210 °C for 10 min homogenous particle water-insoluble component that 62% carbohydrate 33% lign...

The past year has seen the fruits of biotechnological manipulation of forest trees approach commercial application. Advances in somatic embryogenesis have brought mass clonal propagation of the top commercial trees closer to reality, and efficient gene transfer systems have been developed for a number of conifers and hardwoods. Radical alterations in the quantity and quality of lignin in wood h...

This study compared two new formulations of creosote and one pigment-emulsified creosote (PEC) with a formulation of creosote that met requirements of the AWPA standard P1/P13 for creosote. Two softwood and two hardwood species were treated to four retention levels with each formulation. The four creosote formulations were evaluated by (1) soil-block test, (2) fungal cellar test, and (3) field ...