Electrical transport of endogenous mineral ions in green sapwood ofPinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine)

Summary The relative migration of the major endogenous ions (K⁺, Ca²⁺ Mg²⁺, Na⁺, Cl^– in green sapwood ofPinus sylvestris L. was measured in a modified Hittorf transference cell. The transference numbers obtained gave the fractions of the current carried by these ions when an electric field was applied across the wood samples under the conditions used.Potassium and calcium ions were always found to be the main endogenous current carriers, followed by magnesium, sodium and chloride ions. No significant differences in transference number were found between wood stored under refrigeration or in a deep freeze, nor was there any effect on prior -irradiation. Fungal contamination in a few non-irradiated specimens led to lower transference numbers. Changes in moisture content from 86 to 141% produced no significant change but the results did depend on the tree from which the samples had been taken. A decrease in the length of the wood sample from 100 to 50 mm had little effect on the transference numbers of calcium ions but caused a decrease in those of potassium when larger quantities of electricity were passed. Transversely- and longitudinally-oriented wood samples, however, gave very similar results. Visual observation of the anode compartment indicated that the ions followed the path of least resistance between cathode and anode and that the current passed along the grain of the wood.Symbols c_i molar concentration of ion i - F Faraday's constant (96 494 C/mol) - I current - t time - t_i transference number of ion i (also shown as t(i) in tables) - V volume of electrode compartment - Z_i charge number of ion i The authors thank SERC and Rentokil PLC for the award of a CASE Research Studentship to P.J.S. and the Leverhulme Trust for the award of an Emeritus Fellowship to M.S.     

Influence of carboxylic acids on fixation of copper in wood impregnated with copper amine based preservatives

The importance of copper/amine based preservatives is increasing. Leaching of copper from wood preserved with these solutions is still higher than leaching from wood impregnated with copper chromium ones. In order to decrease leaching, different carboxylic acids (octanoic, 2-ethylhexanoic, decanoic) were added to copper/amine/boron aqueous solutions. An experiment of leaching of copper from Norway spruce was performed according to the modified standard procedure (EN 1250). Results confirmed that carboxylic acids significantly improve copper fixation. The best fixation was determined in specimens impregnated with the preservative solutions consisting of copper, ethanolamine, boric acid and octanoic acid. From such wood, only 1.6% of copper was leached.     

Data analysis of hyperspectral NIR image mosaics for the quantification of linseed oil impregnation in Scots pine wood

Eight pieces of sapwood and heartwood from Scots pine, before and after linseed oil impregnation, were used to make 16 near-infrared hyperspectral images (90–200 pixels wide × 466–985 pixels long × 239 wavelengths: 982–2,480 nm). The wood pieces were selected according to a 2 × 2 experimental design using radial–tangential cut and heartwood–sapwood as factors with two replicates. A first mosaic of 16 images was cleaned and analyzed by image principal component analysis. Interpretation was realized by studying score images and score plots by brushing interaction. In the resulting T1–T2 score plot, the untreated pieces formed a dense cluster, while the impregnated ones showed larger variation. The good separation of treated and impregnated clusters was confirmed by PLSDA showing low false negatives and positives. Analysis of the eight impregnated wood pieces clearly showed regions of wrong impregnation in one wood piece. Loadings resembling linseed oil spectra indicated that this was due to badly polymerized linseed oil. After removing the outlier piece, a new model was made on the seven-piece mosaic showing in the T1–T2 score plot that heartwood and sapwood absorbed the linseed oil differently. This difference was not detected in the untreated wood, so it had to come from the impregnation process. Edges reacted differently from surfaces to the impregnation process as seen in the T1–T4 score plot. These findings show that a future online quality inspection of both raw wood and impregnated pieces would be feasible.     

Properties of red maple laminated veneer lumber impregnated with waterborne micronized and two soluble copper formulations

ABSTRACT

Certain important quality parameters of red maple (Acer rubrum) laminated veneer lumber (LVL) impregnated with three waterborne formulations: copper azole (CA-B), micronized copper azole (MicroCA or MCA) and alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ-D) bonded with phenol formaldehyde or cross-linked polyvinyl acetate (XPVAc) adhesives were evaluated. Pre-dipping of veneers before LVL production and two post-manufacturing procedures, viz., vacuum-pressure and post-dipping of LVL, were applied. Maximum copper retention in pre-dip-treated, vacuum-pressure and post-dip-treated LVL was 1.4, 9.7 and 1.7?kg/m³, respectively. Copper retention in MCA-treated LVL was relatively lower than soluble formulations. Various physical, mechanical and bonding properties of treated LVL such as density, water absorption, swelling, flexural properties, hardness, tensile shear strength, delamination and wood failure (%) were studied and compared with untreated LVL. Little to negligible deleterious effect was observed on properties of LVL due to these chemical treatments. Analysis of variance results showed that most of properties of red maple LVL were not significantly different compared with those of untreated LVL. Therefore, vacuum-pressure impregnation process can be used to treat the red maple LVL with novel micronized copper formulations for increasing the service life of such products against biodegradation without affecting techno-mechanical quality parameters.     

浸渍高温热处理改性桉木力学性能分析

以脲醛树脂作为浸渍剂,纳米SiO_2作为改性材料对速生桉木进行改性处理,以纳米SiO_2质量与脲醛树脂浸渍溶液固含量的质量比(W)、高温处理温度(H)和时间(T)作为影响因素,探究浸渍高温热处理改性对速生桉木力学性能的影响。研究结果表明:浸渍高温热处理能够提高桉木的握钉力、抗弯强度和抗弯弹性模量。当W为2%、H为180℃、T为4 h时,浸渍热处理桉木的径面和弦面握钉力达到了理想值;当W为1%、H为160℃、T为4 h时,浸渍热处理桉木的端面握钉力较为理想;当W为1%,H为160℃、T为2 h时,浸渍热处理桉木具有较好的抗弯强度和抗弯弹性模量。     

电气石/木材复合材制备及微观结构分析

电气石具有释放负氧离子等特殊功能,可以改善环境质量以及促进各种产品的功能化。本研究将电气石以浸渍的方式引入木材中,通过树脂固化的方式将其固定于木材内部,从而得到具有释放负氧离子的功能性木质材料。利用满细胞法,经MUF处理,电气石浓度在5%,偶联剂浓度为4%,浸渍时间为60 min,木材浸渍增重率达到36.9%且分布均匀,负氧离子释放量约为1 086个/cm^3。PEG处理材流失率为15.7%,MUF浸渍处理材的流失率仅为1.3%。     

改性辐射松木材物理力学性能研究

研究了辐射松树脂浸渍材与热空气热处理树脂浸渍材、热压热处理树脂浸渍材的物理力学性能,为后续辐射松改性处理和加工利用提供参考。结果表明:相对于未处理材,浸渍处理提高了木材的密度、尺寸稳定性、力学性能;相对于浸渍材,热处理可进一步提高尺寸稳定性,但一定程度降低了力学强度。     

Evaluation of factors that have an influence on the fixation of chitosan in wood

When using chitosan as an antifungal agent in wood it is important to understand which factors contribute to a higher fixation ratio to optimize the utilization of chitosan, the active component. Small pine samples were impregnated with chitosan solutions varying in molecular weight, concentration, pH, polymerization agent, acid and degree of deacetylation. Different post-treatments such as time, temperature, moisture content and the effect of present air were applied to the samples to evaluate the effect on the relative retention. After impregnation, the samples, with a volume of 1.5 cm³, were leached in separate test-tubes according to EN-84. The samples were prepared in a paired design where both samples were impregnated, but only one was leached. Both leached and unleached samples were analysed for their chitosan content, and the relative ratio was used as a measure for the relative retention of chitosan during leaching. The results from these trials show that pH in the range of 5.1-5.9 is favourable. The molecular weight should be as high as possible yet able to penetrate the wood structure, and the use of acetic acid gives far better fixation than the use of hydrochloric acid.     

Effects of an impregnation procedure for prevention of wood cell wall damage due to drying

Drying of wood may lead to readily observable macroscale cracks. Recently observations were made indicating that also at the level of cell walls, damage occurs due to drying. A method is presented where green wood is impregnated using a solution of water and a bulking compound such as glycerol. Tensile strength parallel to the grain for wood impregnated in the green state was compared with that for ordinary dried wood and for wood impregnated after drying. Data demonstrate significantly higher strength for wood impregnated in the green state. It is postulated that this is due to damage in the cell walls of non-impregnated wood where the damage is induced by the drying stresses. Support for this hypothesis is also presented in the form of fractography results. For wood impregnated in the green state, damage development during drying is limited. This is because the impregnating chemical (glycerol in the present case) in the cell wall substitutes some of the moisture and therefore limits the drying stresses. Received 19 November 1999     

Preparation of Chinese fir wood/MMT nanocomposites and the factors affecting it

The nano intercalation compounding of wood and MMT has important implications for the modification of wood and for the development of new materials. With water-soluble phenol formaldehyde resin as an intermediary, the nanocomposites of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) wood and montmorillonite (MMT) were prepared via three impregnation methods, i.e. normal pres-sure, once and twice vacuum methods. Based on the weight percent gain (WPG) of impregnated wood, the effects of compounding wood and MMT in term...     

Distribution of preservatives in thermally modified Scots pine and Norway spruce sapwood

Studying the impregnation and distribution of oil-based preservative in dried wood is complicated as wood is a nonhomogeneous, hygroscopic and porous material, and especially of anisotropic nature. However, this study is important since it has influence on the durability of wood. To enhance the durability of thermally modified wood, a new method for preservative impregnation is introduced, avoiding the need for external pressure or vacuum. This article presents a study on preservative distribution in thermally treated Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) sapwood using computed tomography scanning, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Secondary treatment of thermally modified wood was performed on a laboratory scale by impregnation with two types of preservatives, viz. Elit Träskydd (Beckers) and pine tar (tar), to evaluate their distribution in the wood cells. Preservative solutions were impregnated in the wood using a simple and effective method. Samples were preheated to 170 °C in a drying oven and immediately submerged in preservative solutions for simultaneous impregnation and cooling. Tar penetration was found higher than Beckers, and their distribution decreased with increasing sample length. Owing to some anatomical properties, uptake of preservatives was low in spruce. Besides, dry-induced interstitial spaces, which are proven important flow paths for seasoned wood, were not observed in this species.     

Retention properties of wood residues and their potential for soil amelioration

The particle size distribution, the nutrient content and the sorption behaviour of six solid wood and ash/charcoal residues collected in three wood-processing companies in Germany and Brazil were investigated in order to elucidate the potential of these residues for the development of new products for soil amelioration. The absorption of N, P, and K by the residues and the leaching of nutrients from impregnated samples were studied in the laboratory at substrate temperatures of 20 and 300°C. The release of elements by the impregnated samples and the sorption behaviour of ash/charcoal incorporated in the soil were also studied in the field on a temperate site (Hamburg, 53°32′N 09°59′E), on a subtropical site (Ivaí, 25°15′S 50°45′W), and on a tropical site (Aripuanã, 10°09′S 59°26′W). Under laboratory conditions the solid wood residues absorbed 2.0–9.1% of the N, 0.1–0.4% of the P, and 1.0–8.5% of the K available in the impregnation solution. At a temperature of 20°C, selected sieve fractions of the ash/charcoal residues absorbed up to twice as much as N and up to 100 times more K than the treated wood residues. The absorption of N, P, and K to the ash/charcoal residues increased significantly at a substrate temperature of 300°C compared to a substrate temperature of 20°C. In absolute numbers, the leaching of N, P, and K from the impregnated ash/charcoal residues was in the range of the release by the impregnated solid wood residues, whilst the relative rate of nutrient leaching was strongly reduced. The field experiments confirmed the results obtained in the laboratory and indicated that ash/charcoal residues are suitable raw materials for the development of new products for soil amelioration, in particular for application under humid climate conditions.     

Effects of borate impregnation on the response of wood strength to heat treatment

Based on the strong correlation between acidity and thermal degradation in wood reported in previous studies, the effect of borate impregnation as an alkali-buffering medium was investigated on the strength properties of thermally modified wood. Wood samples were impregnated with 0.1 M Sodium borate solution (pH=9) before they were subjected to heat treatment at temperatures of 180°C and 200°C for durations of 2 and 4 h. The borate impregnation results in some reductions in the severity of strength loss during heat treatment and this is invariably due to buffering effect of the alkali on the acidity of wood, which could have mitigated the degree of degradation. The positive effects of borate impregnation as a pretreatment on the strength properties of heat-treated wood depend on the degree of heat treatment. Hence, the use of borate impregnation as a pretreatment method for heat treatment is recommended only where a relatively mild heat treatment is involved.     

Evaluation of factors that have an influence on the fixation of chitosan in wood

Abstract

When using chitosan as an antifungal agent in wood it is important to understand which factors contribute to a higher fixation ratio to optimize the utilization of chitosan, the active component. Small pine samples were impregnated with chitosan solutions varying in molecular weight, concentration, pH, polymerization agent, acid and degree of deacetylation. Different post-treatments such as time, temperature, moisture content and the effect of present air were applied to the samples to evaluate the effect on the relative retention. After impregnation, the samples, with a volume of 1.5 cm³, were leached in separate test-tubes according to EN-84. The samples were prepared in a paired design where both samples were impregnated, but only one was leached. Both leached and unleached samples were analysed for their chitosan content, and the relative ratio was used as a measure for the relative retention of chitosan during leaching. The results from these trials show that pH in the range of 5.1–5.9 is favourable. The molecular weight should be as high as possible yet able to penetrate the wood structure, and the use of acetic acid gives far better fixation than the use of hydrochloric acid.     

西南桤木木塑复合材料的研究

采用乙烯基类系列单体——丙烯腈(AN)、甲基丙烯酸甲酯(MMA)、丙烯酸(AA)三元共聚单体注入西南桤木木材中，制成新型的高分子复合材料(AMA—WPC)。单体的注入用满细胞法，聚合用热引发法，并采用添加氯化锌对木材细胞壁进行活化等工艺对木塑复合材进行了研究和分析。实验样品按照国标GBl927—1943有关规定进行测试，并结合傅立叶红外光谱和扫描电镜探讨了各因素对AMA—WPC材料接枝率及性能的影响。结果表明：改性后西南桤木木塑复合材料具有优异的物理、力学性能。与素材相比较，AMA—WPC的密度提高了59．8％，顺纹抗压强度提高了76．7％，抗弯强度提高了90．4％，抗弯弹性模量提高22．2％，端面硬度提高102．3％，径面硬度提高153．6％，弦面硬度提高152．2％，吸水率降低56．7％，湿膨胀率降低19．0％。     

Relationship between wood porosity,wood density and methyl methacrylate impregnation rate

Abstract

Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) was used to evaluate the impregnation mechanisms of wood by methyl methacrylate (MMA) through examining the changes in porosity, pore volume, pore size distribution and bulk density of solid wood before and after MMA impregnation. Porosities of MMA-impregnated (hardened) wood samples were lower than those of solid wood samples for six studied species, five hardwoods and one softwood. Densities of hardened wood were enhanced from 45 to 130% depending on the species. The pore volume available for mercury intrusion was shifted from pore d>0.1 µm for solid wood to pore d≤0.1 µm for hardened wood. A pore diameter of 0.1 µm was used as the transition point for MMA impregnation and the increased mercury penetration below this point was attributed to the MMA polymer pore structure. Porosity as an intrinsic property of wood appears to be the main determinant of impregnation rate and polymer retention, especially for porosity with pore diameter >0.1 µm. The results indicate that the MIP technique is an effective tool with which to study the impregnation process.     

A new boron impregnation technique of wood by vapor boron of boric acid to reduce leaching boron from wood

This study was designed to reveal impregnation ability and to enhance leaching resistance of boron from borate-treated wood. Vapor boron treatment was applied in compressed and uncompressed states at high temperatures such as 180 and 200°C for 6, 8 and 15 min. Following ten-cycle leaching periods, amounts of boron leached from vapor boron treated wood was measured by ion chromatography. According to the results, boric acid can be vaporized under heat and can be impregnated into wood. Success of the technique can be increased by increasing vapor pressure in a closed chamber. Leachability results proved the boron vaporization along with water vapor at various ratios depends on the process variables. These results have importance on dry wood treatment under heat by boron vapor with a little water presence which does not necessitate a further drying process.     

Impregnation of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) wood by hydrophobic oil and dispersion patterns in different tissues

Wood from Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) is biologicallydegraded in exposed conditions. It also has anatomical featuresthat make it difficult to impregnate with preservatives by currentlyavailable industrial processes. In the study reported here,we used the new Linotech process to impregnate Norway sprucewood with hydrophobic linseed oil and then quantified its uptakeand dispersal in anatomically distinct wood tissues. We alsoinvestigated the effects of the wood moisture content on theresults of the impregnation. Samples (500 x 25 x 25 mm) weretaken from 15 trees in a coniferous forest in northern Sweden(64° 10' N, 160–320 m a.s.l.). The parameters forthe Linotech process were 2–3 h treatment time at 0.8–1.4MPa and 60–140°C. To determine the level of uptake,the linseed oil was extracted from the impregnated wood usingmethyl-tertiary-butyl-ether. The uptake was quantitatively analysedby comparing X-ray microdensitometry values obtained followingimpregnation both before and after oil removal. In earlywood,initial moisture content had an obvious effect on the impregnationresult. Six times more oil was taken up when the moisture contentwas greater than ~150 per cent than when it was less than 30per cent. Theoretical calculations, based on density levels,suggest that the water-filled porosity of the wood (water volumedivided by porosity volume) was positively correlated with thelinseed oil uptake, and more strongly correlated in earlywoodthan in latewood. There were also significant differences inuptake between different wood tissues; heartwood/mature woodand heartwood/juvenile wood showed 10–20 per cent weightincreases due to linseed oil uptake, compared with 30–50per cent in sapwood/mature wood. Examination by scanning electronmicroscopy confirmed these uptake patterns. The moisture contentafter impregnation was about 5 per cent, irrespective of theLinotech process parameters, tissue type and initial moisturecontent. In conclusion, the impregnation process used here resultsin high levels of well-dispersed linseed oil uptake and shouldfacilitate drying.     

Study on the effect of nano-silver impregnation on mechanical properties of heat-treated <Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus nigra</Emphasis>

The present study is aimed at investigating the effect of heat treatment of nano-silver-impregnated Populus nigra on weight loss, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and compression parallel to grain. Specimens were impregnated with 200 PPM water-based solution of nano-silver particles at 2.5 bar in a pressure vessel. For heat treatment, both nano-silver-impregnated and simple specimens were kept for 24 h at 45°C and then further for 24 h at 145°C and finally for 4 h at 185°C. MOR decreased from 529 to 461 kg/cm² in heat-treated specimens; MOE and compression parallel to grain were though improved. Also, comparison between heat-treated and nano-silver-impregnated heat-treated specimens showed that there was a decrease in MOR and MOE in nano-silver-impregnated heat-treated specimens. This shows that nano-silver impregnation facilitates transfer of heat in wood and it may increase the process of degradation and pyrolysis of wood structures in deeper parts of specimens.     

Moisture sorption and swelling of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] impregnated with linseed oil

Abstract

The moisture sorption and swelling of spruce specimens impregnated with linseed oil and unimpregnated controls were studied in two sorption experiments: from 0 to 55% relative humidity (RH) and from 55% RH to water saturation. Sorption isotherms were also determined using a sorption balance. The impregnated specimens had lower rates of both moisture sorption and swelling than the unimpregnated controls; however, there was no significant difference in final moisture contents. In addition, the linseed oil impregnation did not improve the dimensional stability of the wood; in most cases the specimens impregnated with linseed oil swelled more than the unimpregnated controls. For the impregnated specimens, reductions in swelling rates were in most cases seen without corresponding reductions in final swelling. The moisture sorption rate was reduced for the impregnated specimens but there were generally no reductions in equilibrium moisture content.