Property of nano-SiO2/urea formaldehyde resin

In this paper, we discuss the effects of a nanometer silicon dioxide (nano-SiO₂) coupling agent, dispersal methods and the amount of nano-SiO₂/urea formaldehyde resin. The results of our study indicate that when nano-SiO₂, using KH-550 silane as a coupling agent, was added to UF resin by discontinuous ultrasonic vibration, its properties improved effectively. When the content of nano-SiO₂ was below 1.5%, the amount of free formaldehyde decreased, and the viscosity and bonding strength of resin increased with an increase in the added nano-SiO₂, which did not prolong the curing time. The performance indices of plywood, particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF), hot-pressed by nano-SiO2 (1%)/UF resin (F/U molar ratio=1.2), exceeded the requirements of the National Standard. Their free formaldehyde emission reached E1 grade. Finally, we analyzed the mechanism of the strengthening effects of nano-SiO₂ on UF resin by means of infrared spectrum analysis and X-ray photoelectronic spectrum (XPS). __________ Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2005, 41(2) [译自: 林业科学, 2005, 41(2)]     

Improvement in compatibility and mechanical properties of modified wood fiber/polypropylene composites

To improve the interfacial compatibility between wood fibers and polypropylene and the toughness of wood-fiber/polypropylene composites, maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MAH) and maleic anhydride grafted styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene copolymers (SEBS-g-MAH) were used as modifiers. Mechanical properties of wood-fiber/polypropylene (WF/PP) composites were improved when PP-g-MAH or SEBS-g-MAH was added. When either of these copolymers was added, the composites had better interfacial compatibility than the unmodified composite. This was verified by scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The mechanical properties of the composites were significantly improved because of the good interfacial bonding between wood fibers and polypropylene when PP-g-MAH and SEBS-g-MAH were added. __________ Translated from Journal of Beijing Forestry University, 2007, 29(2): 133–137 [译自: 北京林业大学学报]     

Mutual influences in growth and reproduction between pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and bacteria it carries

The interactions between pine wood nematode and three bacterium strains isolated from the nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which are two strong pathogenic bacterium strains, Pseudomonas fluorescens GcM5-1A and Pseudomonas putida ZpB1-2A and a weak-pathogenic bacterium strain, Pantoea sp. ZM2C, were studied. The result showed that the strong-pathogenic GcM5-1A strain and ZpB1-2A strain significantly increased fecundity, reproduction rate, and the body volume of the adult nematode. Meanwhile, pine wood nematodes significantly promoted reproduction of the two strong-pathogenic bacterium strains. However, the weak-pathogenic bacterium strain, ZM2C, completely inhibited reproduction of pine wood nematodes. Aseptic pine wood nematodes significantly inhibited reproduction of the strain ZM2C. The results indicated that mutualistic symbiosis exists between pine wood nematodes and the two pathogenic bacteria it carries. The phenomenon showed that the pathogenic bacteria carried by the nematode were not accidentally contaminated, but rather had existed as symbionts of the nematode with which it had coevoluted over a long period. The role of mutualistic symbiosis in the process of pine wilt disease was also discussed. __________ Translated from Journal of Nanjing Forestry University, 2005, 29(3): 1–4 [译自: 南京林业大学学报, 2005, 29(3): 1–4]     

Investigation on physical and mechanical properties of pulp–plastic composites from bagasse

High-density polyethylene (HDPE), bagasse fibers treated by four pulping processes (AS-AQ (alkaline sulfite anthraquinone), SODA-AQ (soda anthraquinone), MEA (monoethanolamine) and chemical–mechanical pulping (CMP)), three levels of nano-SiO₂ (0, 2, and 5?wt%), and maleic anhydride polyethylene as coupling agent were used to produce pulp–plastic composites (PPCs) by injection molding. The physical and mechanical properties of corresponding composites were evaluated according to ASTM standards. The results showed that compared to untreated bagasse/HDPE composite, the addition of bagasse pulp fibers increased significantly the mechanical properties such as tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength and modulus, and hardness. The chemical pulps-reinforced composites showed better mechanical strengths than that of CMP-reinforced composites, but in some properties, CMP pulp composites have comparable results to the chemical pulp-reinforced composites. Natural fibers (untreated and treated) increased water absorption and thickness swelling of composites compared to pure HDPE. The addition of nano-SiO₂ particles showed both increasing and decreasing trends on physical and mechanical properties ofPPCs.     

Na2O-SiO2 wood-inorganic composites prepared by the sol-gel process and their fire-resistant properties

For enhancing fire-resistant properties, a binary system to prepare wood-inorganic composites was studied by adding sodium methoxide (SM) or sodium acetate (SA) to a reaction system for SiO₂ composites. Compared with the SiO₂ composites, both the Na₂O-SiO₂ composites prepared could be greatly improved up to 600°C-700°C (glowing). From scanning electron microscopic observations, this enhanced fire resistance was assumed to be due to chemical and physicochemical effects, such as dehydration and carbonization of wood by Na₂O gel. The glassy layer and intumescent structure formed over the cell walls were thought to prevent oxidation and heat transfer from proceeding into the inner portion of the wood cell walls. However, the reaction medium with SM to prepare Na₂O-SiO₂ composites was basic, whereas that with SA was rather neutral. In addition, in the latter composites, most of the inorganic gel was formed within the cell wall, retaining the porous structure characteristic of wood. Therefore, the Na₂O-SiO₂ composites prepared with SA can be concluded to be preferable for practical purposes.Part of this report was presented at the 50th annual meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Kyoto, April 2000     

Organic acid exudation from the roots of Cunninghamia lanceolata and Pinus massoniana seedlings under low phosphorus stress

Organic acid exudation from the roots of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) and Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) seedlings under low phosphorus stress was studied using the solution culture method. The results revealed that organic acid exudation from the roots of Chinese fir and Masson pine seedlings under low phosphorus stress increased. Compared with P₃ (KH₂PO₄, 0.5 mmol/L), the average organic acid exudation from the root of Masson pine seedlings under P₀ (KH₂PO₄, 0 mmol/L), P₁ (KH₂PO₄, 0.03 mmol/L) and P₂ (KH₂PO₄, 0.09 mmol/L) increased by 328.6%, 267.9% and 126.4% respectively. Masson pine from Zhejiang Province in China had the highest organic acid exudation. Under low phosphorus stress, the increase in organic acid exudation from the different provinces of Chinese fir and Masson pine varied. Masson pine from Zhejiang Province mainly increased oxalic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid and malic acid exudation, that from Guangxi Province mainly increased oxalic acid and tartaric acid exudation, and that from Guizhou Province, China mainly increased oxalic acid, tartaric acid and malic acid exudation. Chinese fir mainly increased oxalic acid and tartaric acid exudation. __________ Translated from Journal of Nanjing Forestry University, 2007, 31(2): 9–12 [译自: 南京林业大学学报]     

Transfer characteristics of nutrient elements through hydrological process of a Pinus tabulaeformis stand in the West Mountain of Beijing

Forest precipitation chemistry is a major issue in forest hydrology and forest ecology. Chemical contents in precipitation change significantly when different kinds of external chemical materials are added, removed, translocated and transformed to or in the forest ecosystem along with precipitation. The chemistry of precipitation was monitored and analyzed in a 31-year-old Pinus tabulaeformis forest in the West Mountain of Beijing. Movement patterns of nutrient elements in hydrological processes can be discovered by studying this monitored data. Also, the information is useful for diagnosing the function of ecosystems and evaluating the impact of the environment on the ecosystem. Samples of rainfall, throughfall and stemflow were collected on the site. In the lab, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ were analyzed by flame atomic absorption and K⁺ and Na⁺ by flame emission. NH₄ ⁺-N was analyzed by indophenol blue colorimetry and NO₃ ⁻-N was analyzed by phenoldisulfonic acid colorimetry. The results showed that: 1) The concentration gradient of nutrient elements clearly changed except for Na⁺. The nutrients in stemflow were significantly higher than those of throughfall and rainfall as the precipitation passed through the P. tabulaeformis forest. The monthly patterns showed distinct differentiation. There are indications that a large amount of nutrients was leached from the canopy, which is a critical function of intra-ecosystem nutrient cycling to improve the efficiency of nutrient use. 2) The concentrations of NO₃ ⁻-N and K⁺ changed more than those of the other nutrient elements. The concentration of NO₃ ⁻-N in throughfall and stemflow was 4.4 times and 9.9 times higher than those in rainfall, respectively. The concentration of K⁺ in throughfall and stemflow was 4.1 times and 8.1 times higher than those in rainfall, respectively. 3) The leaching of nutrient elements from the stand was an important aspect of nutrient return to the P. tabulaeformis forest, which returned a total amount of nutrient of 54.1 kg/hm², with the contribution of Ca²⁺ and K⁺ much greater than that of other elements. Also, K⁺ was the most active element in leaching intensity. 4) Nutrient input through precipitation was the main source in the West Mountain of Beijing and the amount of nutrient added was 66.4 kg/hm², of which Ca²⁺ and N contributed much more than the other nutrient elements. When precipitation passes through the P. tabulaeformis forest, 121 kg/hm² of nutrient is added to the forest floor. Ca²⁺ recorded the greatest nutrient increase, with 61.2 kg/hm², followed by N (NH₄ ⁺-N and NO₃ ⁻-N), K⁺ and Mg²⁺, with 31.3 and 16.5, and 8.11 kg/hm², respectively. The least was Na⁺, 3.34 kg/hm². Translated from Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2006, 26(7): 2,101–2,107 [译自: 生态学报]     

Programmed cell death of Ulmus pumila L. seeds during aging

The programmed cell death (PCD) characteristics of Ulmus pumila L. seeds were investigated. The seeds were treated at a high temperature of 37°C and 100% relative humidity for six days. DAPI (4′6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining revealed that the aging treatment induced condensation and margination of chromatin, as well as the formation of apoptotic bodies. DNA electrophoresis results of U. pumila seeds on an agarose gel showed a characteristic “ladder” pattern. Levels of electrolyte leakage of seed cells showed that membranes retained their integral form during almost the entire aging time. There was an immediate increase in the production rate of superoxide anion (O₂ ⁻) and in the amount of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), which remained at a μmol level. All of these common characteristics indicate that seed aging can be classified as PCD. __________ Translated from Journal of Beijing Forestry University, 2007, 29(3): 8–14 [译自: 北京林业大学学报]     

Effect of nano-SiO2 on properties of wood/polymer/clay nanocomposites

Wood polymer nanocomposites (WPNC) based on nano-SiO₂ were prepared by impregnation of styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), SiO₂ nanoparticles modified with γ-trimethoxy silyl propyl methacrylate (MSMA), and nanoclay into wood. The structure of modified SiO₂ nanoparticles and WPNC was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD analysis showed the delaminated structure of SAN/SiO₂/clay-treated wood composites. The synergistic effect of nano-SiO₂ and nanoclay was investigated. Thermal stability of SiO₂ nanoparticles decreased after modification, while that of wood treated with SAN, SiO₂, and nanoclay improved. Morphological characteristics were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical properties, water uptake (%), dimensional stability, hardness, and flammability were found to improve due to incorporation of SiO₂ and nanoclay into wood polymer composites. Maximum improvement in properties was observed in the wood polymer composites containing SiO₂ and nanoclay at the ratio of 1:1.     

The influence of silane coupling agent and poplar particles on the wet-tability,surface roughness,and hardness of UF-bonded wheat straw （Triticum aestivum L.）/poplar wood particleboard

We used silane coupling agents to improve the bonding ability between wheat straw particles and UF resin, and investigated surface properties （wettability and surface roughness） and hardness of parti-cleboard made from UF-bonded wheat straw （Triticum aestivum L.） combined with poplar wood as affected by silane coupling agent content and straw/poplar wood particle ratios. We manufactured one-layered particleboard panels at four different ratios of straw to poplar wood par-ticles （0%, 15%, 30% and 45% wheat straw） and silane coupling agent content at three levels of 0, 5% and 10%. Roughness measurements, average roughness （Ra）, mean peak-to-valley height （Rz）, and root mean square roughness （Rq） were measured on unsanded samples by using a fine stylus tracing technique. We obtained contact angle measurements by using a goniometer connected to a digital camera and computer sys-tem. Boards containing greater amounts of poplar particles had superior hardness compared to control samples and had lower wettability. Panels made with higher amounts of silane had lower Rq values.     

Density profile relation to hardness of viscoelastic thermal compressed (VTC) wood composite

Density profile relation to hardness of VTC wood composites was evaluated using X-ray densitometry and modified Brinell hardness method using different applied forces. Moreover, surface elasticity was evaluated. Prior to lamination, the low-density hybrid poplar (Populus deltoides × Populus trichocarpa L.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii L.) thin boards were compressed to 1.22 or 1.14 g/cm³, respectively. Two different kinds of laminations were made, either single layer of 1.5 mm thickness or two 1.5-mm layers bonded to unmodified wood. The results show that thicker laminate has a great positive influence on Brinell hardness. This study suggests that results from the existing method for Brinell hardness are not comparable, and if applied force is chosen without restraint, the effect on the hardness value is significant for inhomogeneous wood composites.     

Effects of inorganic acid catalysts on liquefaction of wood in phenol

In order to obtain the effects of acid catalysts on wood liquefaction in phenol, we investigated the liquefaction of wood powder from Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) and poplar (Triploid Populus tomentosa Carr) in the presence of phenol with the following weak inorganic acids as catalysts: phosphoric acid (85%), sulfuric acid (36%), hydrochloric acid (37%) and oxalic acid (99.5%). Results show that phosphoric acid (85%) and sulfuric acid (36%) are better than the other catalysts. It was found that lower residue ratios can be obtained under defined reaction conditions: phenol/wood ratio is 4, a 10% catalyst based on the weight of phenol, a temperature of 150°C for 2 h and phosphoric or sulfuric acid. The residue ratios are 3.2% and 4.0%, respectively. __________ Translated from Journal of Beijing Forestry University, 2004, 26(5) [译自: 北京林业大学学报, 2004, 26(5)]     

Photosynthetic response to variation in CO2 concentrations and temperature of four broad-leaved trees in Beijing region

Responses of the photosynthetic characteristics to variation in CO₂ concentration and temperature of Ginkgo biloba, Eucommia ulmoides, Magnolia denudata and Tilia japonica were measured during the peak growing season. The results show that the ambient CO₂ concentration could not meet the requirements for photosynthesis of these four species. The optimal temperatures for photosynthesis were lower than the average daytime air temperature. Hence, the photosynthesis of these four species was restricted by the low CO₂ concentration and high daytime air temperature at the time of measurement. Marked enhancements in the net photosynthetic rate were found in all four species when the CO₂ concentration was doubled. When the dependency on CO₂ and temperature were examined simultaneously, it was seen that for increased CO₂ concentrations there was a shift in the optimum temperature for M. denudata and T. japonica towards higher temperatures. Due to their independence on CO₂ concentrations, this trend could not be found in the G. biloba and E. ulmoides data sets. The stomatal conductance (G _s) was sensitive to a vapor pressure deficit (VPD) which in turn was sensitive to temperature. An increase in temperature would cause the VPD to increase and plants might be assumed to react by reducing their stomatal apertures. The effect on stomatal resistance would be most significant at high temperatures. The restriction to stomatal conductance for these four species would increase if CO₂ concentrations were elevated at the same temperature. __________ Translated from Journal of Agricultural University of Hebei, 2006, 29 (6): 39–43 [译自: 河北农业大学学报]     

Effects of elevated CO2 concentrations on photosynthesis, dark respiration and RuBPcase activity of three species seedlings in Changbai Mountain

Two-year-old seedlings ofPinus koraiensis, Pinus sylvestriformis andFraxinus mandshurica were treated in open-top chambers with elevated CO₂ concentrations (700 μL·L⁻¹, 500 μL·L⁻¹) and ambient CO₂ concentrations (350 μL·L⁻¹) in Changbai Mountain from June to Sept. in 1999 and 2001. The net photosynthetic rate, dark respiration rate, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxlase (RuBPcase) activity, and chlorophyll content were analyzed. The results indicated the RuBPcase activity of the three species seedlings increased at elevated CO₂ concentrations. The elevated CO₂ concentrations stimulated the net photosynthetic rates of three tree species exceptP. sylvestriformis grown under 500 μL·L⁻¹ CO₂ concentration. The dark respiration rates ofP. koraiensis andP. sylvestriformis increased under concentration of 700 μL·L⁻¹ CO₂, out that ofF. mandshurica decreased under both concentrations 700 μL·L⁻¹ and 500 μL·L⁻¹ CO₂. The seedlings ofF. mandshurica decreased in chlorophyll contents at elevated CO₂ concentrations. Foundation item: This paper was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30070158). Knowledge Innovation Item of Chinese Academy of Sciences (KZCX2-406) and “Hundred Scientists” Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Biography: Zhou Yu-mei (1973-) Ph. Doctor, Assistant Research fellow Institute of Applied Ecology. Chinese Academy of Sciences. Shenyang 110016. P.R. China. Responsible editor: Song Funan     

Relationships between longitudinal and radial Picea genera sound vibration parameters

Longitudinal sawn wood are usually selected as samples in the study of sound properties of a musical instrument board. But in real production, radial sawn timber are cut and are also widely used as vibration component. Therefore, it is very important to evaluate the vibration properties of the board in the round, especially for the sound radiation characteristic of radial sawn timber and its relationship to longitudinal sawn timber. However, for the national and international experts, researches on radial sawn timber and its role and function in sound emission have not yet been developed. This paper describes a study of seven important spruces that grow up in the Sichuan and Heilongjiang provinces of China, and one Picea sitchensis specimen from North America. Under the high bending vibration mode, resonance frequency and other parameters of longitudinal and radial wood were tested. Analysis result disclosed the relationship between longitudinal and radial wood vibration property. An important conclusion of wood for musical instruments with proper anisotropy, fine toughness, and weak shear of longitudinal and radial vibration was inducted. __________ Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2006, 42(3): 21–24 [译自: 林业科学, 2006, 42(3): 21–24]     

Insect-resistant mechanism of transgenic triploid of Chinese white poplar

The activities of antidotal enzymes and digestive enzymes of Clostera anachoreta (Fabricius) instar larvae, feeding on leaves of three kinds of insect-resistant clones of transgenic triploid of Chinese white poplar, after 4, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, were investigated. The results showed that, feeding on clone 7, the activity of esterase, carboxylesterase, and mixed-function oxidases in the midgut of the larvae was very much decreased. Feeding on clone 10, those results were less than those of clone 7 and there were few changes on the larvae, which fed on clone 26. The changes of the amylase in the midgut of larvae were the same as those described above. However, the activities of glutathione S-transferase and proteinase were complex, increased markedly after 24 h feeding on clone 7, and then declined rapidly. The same changes were taking place on the larvae feeding on clone 10. There were many slight changes in glutathione S-transferase of the larvae, feeding on clone 26; no changes occurred in the proteinases of the midgut. Thus, the antidotal enzymes and digestive enzymes in the midgut of the larvae were inhibited. This may be the main mechanism of the transgenic triploid of Chinese white poplar. __________ Translated from Journal of Agricultural University of Hebei, 2005, 28(5) [译自: 河北农业大学学报, 2005, 28(5)]     

Turbulent exchange of CO2 over a broadleaf-Korean pine forest in Changbai Mountain, northeast China

Turbulent exchange of CO₂ was measured continuously via the open-path eddy covariance technique over a broadleaf-Korean pine forest in Changbai Mountain, northeast China. The results show that with near-neutral atmospheric stratification, CO₂ and vertical wind components measured over the forest canopy in the inertial sub-range followed the expected −2/3 power law. The dominant vertical eddy scale was about 100 m. The frequency ranges of eddy contributions to CO₂ fluxes were mostly within 0.01–2.0 Hz. Large eddies with low frequency over the canopy contributed more to CO₂ fluxes than small eddies. The open-path eddy covariance system could satisfy the estimation of turbulent fluxes over the canopy, but the CO₂ fluxes between forest and atmosphere were generally underestimated at night because of the increment non-turbulent processes, suggesting that the CO₂ fluxes estimated under weak turbulence need to be revised correspondingly. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 2007, 18(5): 951–956 [译自: 应用生态学报]     

Selection, propagation and cultivation of Pinus massoniana clones for pulp use

Based on the growth, wood property of the ortets, and rooting abilities of cuttings, 32 Pinus massoniana clones for pulp use were selected from forests of superior provenance, mixed families, and progeny test of seed orchard by two-step selection. The average height and DBH growth of three-year-old clones were 28.6% and 16.7%, respectively, higher than those from seedlings, and average gain of wood density reached 8.7%. Rooting rate of all these clones was over 80%, 28% higher than the clones selected by a single step. A cutting orchard of 0.33 hm² on the hillside was constructed to intensively produce cuttings according to the tests on construction methods, pruning, and fertilization. A total of 50,000 grade I, 37,500 grade II, and 62,500 grade III cuttings were collected per hectare of this cutting orchard each time, and were cut three times each year. With all the above techniques, 48 hm² of clonal forests for pulp use of those clones had been planted in five places in Fujian Province. Container stecklings are more likely to increase the planting survival rate. __________ Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2004, 40(1): 64–69 [译自: 林业科学]     

Nutrient cycle of planted forest of Pinus tabulaeformis in the Miyun Reservoir Watershed, Beijing

We studied the nutrient cycle of a planted forest of Pinus tabulaeformis in the Miyun Reservoir Watershed, Beijing. Results show that the total biomass of P. tabulaeformis stands at age 29 in the experimental area is 92627 kg/hm², and the total nutrient store is 695.17 kg/hm² including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), kalium (K), calium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). The sequence of their contents in different organs was given as follows: needle>branch> trunk>root. The annual amount of 85.37 kg/hm² of five nutrient elements were assimilated by P. tabulaeformis, about 0.34% of the total store in soil, and 3.30% of available nutrient store in soil depth from 0 to 30 cm. The nutrient annual retention is 35.92 kg/hm², annual returning 49.46 kg/hm², the rain input 26.04 kg/hm² to the five nutrient elements. The parameter absorption coefficient, utilization coefficient, cycle coefficient and turnover period were cited to describe the nutrient elements cycle characteristic of the planted forest ecosystem of P. tabulaeformis. The absorption coefficient is the ratio of plant nutrient element content to soil nutrient element content, and its sequence of five nutrient elements was given as follows: N>P>K>Ca>Mg. Utilization coefficient is the ratio of the nutrient element annual uptake amount to the nutrient element storage in standing crops, and its sequence of five nutrient elements was: Mg>K> P>N>Ca. The big utilization coefficient means more nutrients stored in the plant. The cycle coefficient is the ratio of the nutrient element annual return amount to the nutrient element annual uptake amount, its sequence: Ca>N>P>K>Mg. Turnover period is the ratio of the nutrient storage in the crops to the annual returning, its sequence: Mg>K>P>N>Ca. __________ Translated from Journal of Beijing Forestry University, 2008, 30(3): 51–56 [译自: 北京林业大学学报]