Comparative study between full cell and passive impregnation method of wood preservation for laser incised Douglas fir lumber

In this study, the ability of passive impregnation of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii Franco) lumber was compared with a conventional full cell method. With an incising density of 10,000 holes/m² carried out by CO₂ laser, square Douglas fir lumber was treated by both passive impregnation and full cell method for 6 h and 50 min. Different incising densities were also used in passive impregnation to examine the optimum incising density. It was observed that there was no significant difference between these two methods regarding absorption of liquid, moisture content after dipping and penetrated area both at cross and longitudinal sections. However, the value was higher in case of full cell method. Regarding different incising densities, absorption and penetration of liquid was similar for 10,000 and 7,500 holes/m² but it was low for 5,000 holes/m². Therefore, it can be concluded that an incising density of 7,500 holes/m² is the optimum for passive impregnation. The absorption of liquid and its distribution in wood indicates that this non-pressure passive impregnation method can be a good preservation method for impermeable lumber and can be an alternative to full cell method.     

Microwave and steam injection drying of CO2 laser incised Sugi lumber

To investigate the effect of CO₂ laser incising under five drying methods on drying characteristics of Sugi lumber, the squares (120 mm × 120 mm) of Sugi lumber with length of 650 mm were used. A half of samples were incised by CO₂ laser with incising density of 2,500 holes/m². Five types of drying methods were used: microwave drying, steam injection drying, and three combinations of microwave heating and steam injection drying. Steam injection drying was conducted by injecting superheated steam of 120 °C through a perforated plate heated to 140 °C of an injection press. Microwave was irradiated with the power of 3 kW at frequency of 2.45 GHz. The results indicated that incising helps heat through a specimen and thus the whole temperature raised rapidly, which was up to threefolds compared to that of no-incised one. Incised specimens dried by a combination of microwave heating for 1 h and steam injection showed the highest drying rate, which was up to 5.3 %/h. Incising and microwave heating contributed positively to dry lumber under more uniform distribution of moisture content and to reduce surface and internal checks. Incised specimen dried by microwave showed the most uniform distribution of moisture content without surface and internal checks.     

Moisture content gradient in a softwood board during drying: simulation from a 2-D model and measurement

Summary A 2-D mathematical model was developed to simulate moisture movement and heat transfer in width and thickness directions within a softwood board during drying. The model is based on wood physiological features and behaviour observed during drying. In sapwood, liquid water movement is assumed to be a consequence of capillary action between liquid and gas phases inside the cell lumens. However, liquid flow does not occur in wood close to the exposed surfaces because at timber surfaces the wood cells are damaged during the sawing process and consequently the liquid column is broken. In heartwood, liquid flow is negligible since the pits are normally aspirated during the formation of heartwood in the growing tree. Water vapour moves under a partial vapour pressure gradient while bound water diffuses within the wood material due to differences in chemical potential. The model was solved numerically to predict moisture-content profiles. Experiments were undertaken to measure the moisturecontent gradient. Samples were removed from a tunnel dryer at intervals throughout drying, frozen overnight and then cut into slices for moisture-content determination. The experimental results were used to verify the model.This work is supported by the New Zealand Foundation of Research, Science and Technology under contract CO4415     

测定胶在刨花表面上覆盖率和胶量的方法

一、前言在刨花板中,胶粘剂是以细小的胶滴分布在刨花表面上,刨花表面胶滴的大小和分布的均匀对刨花板的质量至关重要。自1960年以来,胶在刨花表面的分布问题逐渐为人们所重视,并且开展了测定方法的研究。据报道,测定方法大致有几种。各种测定方法是以测定胶的覆盖率或胶量来量度刨花表面胶的分布均匀性。并且受刨花几何形态和刨花大小的限制。本文提出图象法,是将试样或标准件用彩色反转片照相,把试样转变为图象,应用微机图象处理法测定刨花表面胶的覆盖率。对测定覆盖率后的图象进一步使用分光光度计测定图象的光密     

Wettability and liquid sorption of wood investigated by Wilhelmy plate method

The wettability of Scots pine veneers was investigated with different approaches using the Wilhelmy plate method. The probe liquids were water and octane, which differ; in that, water is able to swell the wood sample, whereas octane does not. Novel approaches based on the Wilhelmy plate method to study wettability, liquid penetration, and swelling behavior of wood veneers are introduced. First, immersion to constant depth was performed, and liquid uptake with time was evaluated. Different kinetic regimes, the fastest one associated with contact angle changes and the slowest regime associated with liquid sorption by capillary and diffusion, were observed. Two other approaches, imbibition at constant depth (with initial deeper immersion) and full immersion, were utilized in order to keep the contact angle constant during measurements. Dynamic wettability studies were done by a multi-cycle (10–20 cycles) Wilhelmy method. Based on this, the time-dependent swelling of wood and changes in sample perimeter could be obtained. Generally, water showed higher absorption than octane. In all wettability studies, and for both probe liquids, the penetration process starts with a fast initial sorption, which is followed by swelling in the case of water.     

Manufacture of compressed wood fixed by phenolic resin impregnation through drilled holes

An aqueous solution of phenolic resin was impregnated through drilled holes in wood, and we manufactured compressed wood with the deformation fixed by the phenolic resin. The methods of impregnation used in this study were an in-liquid platen-pressing method and a vacuum treatment. The effect of the drilled holes on solution retention was examined. Moreover, the control of solution retention was examined under the application of compression drying. The impregnation of resin into the specimens without drilled holes was insufficient, and the deformation could not be fixed. On the other hand, sufficient impregnation was possible in the specimen with drilled holes, and the deformation fixation was observed. At the stage of compression when the solution was squeezed out of the specimen, the solution retention of each specimen was accurately controlled in the specimens with drilled holes. At the stage of compressive deformation and deformation fixation using a hot press, the specimens without drilled holes could not be processed normally because swelling occurred. However, swelling did not occur in the specimens with drilled holes. Part of this report was presented at the 16th Annual Meeting of the Chubu Branch of the Japan Wood Research Society in Matsumoto, November 2006     

双摆动贴合的胶合板腻子修补装置设计及应用

胶合板生产属于木材深加工,针对生产中依靠人工完成胶合板侧面腻子修补存在劳动效率低、修补质量差及工况条件恶劣等问题,研制了一种具有线-面自适应贴合性的双摆动修补装置替代人工修补。装置安装的刮片以一定角度贴合并压紧胶合板侧面,在板材传送过程中,实现侧面孔隙腻子填塞、多余腻子刮除的侧面腻子修补自动化过程。进行了装置自适应贴合过程的坐标变化分析,验证了实际工况下胶合板和修补装置的倾斜误差不会影响刮片的贴合性。同时,考虑贴合过程的碰撞稳定性和贴合后的压紧效果,设计了主摆块摆长、弹簧顶杆安装位置和主弹簧参数。最后对装置修补后表板边缘腻子残留问题进行了功能改进。双摆动贴合的修补装置在腻子修补机中的试用结果表明:修补装置可满足不同规格胶合板侧面孔隙修补的技术要求,一次性修补后的板侧面无孔隙遗漏、腻子涂布均匀,最大厚度为0.2 mm,修补效率相比手工修补可提升3倍以上。本研究设计的装置结构简单、易调整,可在行业中推广。     

Improved water repellency of black spruce wood surfaces after treatment in carbon tetrafluoride plasmas

Plasma treatments for black spruce wood (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.), a widespread forest species from Canada, were carried out in order to waterproof the exposed surfaces. Experiments were performed using inductively coupled argon plasma with carbon tetrafluoride as the gaseous precursor for plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of functional fluoropolymer coatings on wood. Analysis of the wettability through water contact angle measurements showed water-repellent characteristics, with static contact angles up to 130° depending on plasma exposure time, CF₄ concentration in the Ar/CF₄ plasma, and plasma source-to-substrate distance. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations of plasma-treated wood surfaces confirmed the growth of a thin, fluorocarbon layer with fluorine atomic concentrations close to 50 % on highly hydrophobic wood surfaces. Estimation of the thickness of the coatings by stylus profilometry revealed that a minimum layer thickness of about 80 nm is required to obtain water repellant wood surfaces with minimum water uptake. This complete set of data indicates that fluorocarbon-containing plasmas represent a very promising approach for improving the durability of wood products in wet and humid conditions.     

The fluorescence characteristics of furfurylated wood studied by fluorescence spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy

The fluorescence of furfurylated wood was studied. Furfurylation of wood introduced fluorescent curing products into the cell walls. Fluorescent products were also found in the lumina if high loadings were used and/or if the wood contained cells with small radii. More intense fluorescence was obtained from lignin-rich parts of the compound cell wall (i.e., the middle lamella and the cell corners) than from the secondary cell wall if the wood was impregnated using furfuryl alcohol (FA), while impregnation using small poly(FA) oligomers showed no or only minor differences between different regions. The study also showed that when higher amounts of catalyst were added to the impregnation liquid, a red-shift in the fluorescence from the furfurylated wood was seen, corresponding to an increased conjugation length of conjugated poly(FA) formed within the wood cell wall. Longer conjugation length than within the cell wall was observed for the poly(FA) formed within the lumina. This indicates that the cell wall polymers restrict poly(FA) formation.     

微生物侵蚀处理对木材渗透性影响研究进展

微生物侵蚀处理可以改善木材的渗透性,一般有细菌处理、真菌处理和酶处理三种方法.本文介绍了微生物侵蚀处理的研究进展,分析了三种方法处理木材对被处理材渗透性的改善效果及对木材物理力学性能的影响,并就如何采用微生物侵蚀法处理木材,提高其渗透性的研究进行了分析和展望.     

Fluid permeability in poplar tension and normal wood in relation to ray and vessel properties

The impact of ray and vessel features on the radial air permeability and liquid penetration was compared between poplar (Populus nigra) tension and normal wood. Air permeability was measured by the falling-water volume-displacement method. To measure liquid penetration, specimens were saturated with safranin solution by the full-cell process at low pressure, and the pattern of red color penetration was then examined. Results revealed no significant difference in vessel frequency, intervessel and vessel-ray pit diameter between tension and normal wood, whereas porosity and average vessel lumen area in normal wood were significantly greater than those in tension wood. Regarding rays, their length was not different between normal and tension wood, but the latter had more frequent rays per millimeter. Since xylem rays are important flow conduits in lateral movement of fluids, it could be hypothesized that a larger number of rays in tension wood would lead to improved radial permeability. However, neither air permeability nor liquid penetration varied significantly in the studied specimens. Consequently, the results proved that ray frequency has no determining role in radial fluid flow in poplar tension and normal wood and that the share of intervessel and vessel-ray pits in radial permeability is more important.     

Failure analysis of laminated timber beams reinforced with glass fibre composites

Summary A qualitative analysis is presented of failure, perpendicular to the grain, in laminated timber reinforced with a glass fibre composite. The study is focused on beams with holes of different shape. The stress by corners, infinitesimal cracks and finite cracks are investigated. An initial crack model is suggested that brings about some of the phenomena observed in earlier performed experiments. A crack appears to propagate in the wood but is retarded in the reinforced beams. Eventually, the composite will fracture and failure of the beam follows. Finite element computations suggest that the reinforcement decreases the stress intensity at cracks in the wood and acts as a crack stopper. The reinforcing effect increases with the crack length. A point stress criterion is used to predict failure in the fibre composite.     

杉木冷冻干燥材和气干材液体浸注性的比较研究

A comparative study was conducted on liquid penetration of the freeze-drying and air-drying sapwood and heartwood lumber of plantation Chinese fir （Cunninghamia lanceolata）. The maximum amount of dyeing solution uptake by the capillary rise method was used to evaluate the liquid penetration properties of the treated wood. The pit aspiration ratio was determined by semithin section method. Changes in wood microstructure were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that compared with air drying, the freeze drying had a significant effect on liquid penetration of sapwood and heartwood of Chinese fir. The liquid penetration of sapwood is significantly higher than that of the heartwood for both drying treatments. Low pit aspiration ratio and cracks of pits membrane of some bordered pits are the main reasons for increasing liquid penetration after freeze drying treatment.     

Effects of fiber length and orientation on elasticity of fiber-reinforced plywood

Short carbon fibers, a reinforced material in wood veneer composites, were used to investigate the effects of fiber length and orientation of fibers on the elasticity of plywood. The technical feasibility, elasticity, and strength of the reinforced plywood with short carbon fiber were evaluated. In a short fiber reinforcement system, the fiber length does not directly influence the reinforcement in Cox's theory when the fiber length exceeded a certain length. When the length of short carbon fiber is beyond 3 mm, the high reinforced result was obtained in the experiment. However, if fiber length was too long, the reinforced result was less owing to the bridge between fibers and the increase of holes. The optimum fiber length must be considered. The orientation of fibers has a strong influence on the reinforcement. Unidirectional, perpendicular, and random orientation displayed different influence on the elasticity. Experimental results were discussed with Cox's method. Reinforced plywood with short carbon fibers in random orientation has a higher shear modulus and bending strength than the controls, in addition to other mechanical properties.     

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.     

Liquid penetration of precompressed wood VII: combined treatment of precompression and extraction in hot water on the liquid penetration of wood

The object of this study was to determine the cause of differences in the improvement in liquid penetration of precompressed wood species. The maximum amount of water uptake by the capillary rise method and changes in the aspirated pits seen with scanning electron microscopy before and after of preextraction and precompression were investigated using heartwood samples of four softwoods. The height of penetration and the weight by the capillary rise method for preextractive wood powders are discussed. Three wood species andLarix leptolepis showed marked increases in the amount of solution uptake after precompressed treatment only.Larix leptolepis wood required compression after extraction by boiling in water. These differences among wood species were caused by the accumulation of extractive material. It was also recognized that the accumulative material inLarix wood has plasticity and that inPseudotsuga is brittle. Based on these results it was found that it is difficult to destroy aspirated pits in the former and easy in the latter. On the other hand, the difference in penetration of each wood species was caused by the quantity and quality of the extraction material in addition to the extent of the wettability of the surface of the cell cavity as well as aspirated pit.Part of this report was presented at the 46th annual meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Kumamoto, April 1996     

木质材料激光表面处理研究进展

激光以其能量密度高、运行轨迹自如、方向性好等优点,被广泛用于木质材料切削加工以及表面处理等领域。其中,木质材料激光表面处理,即利用激光热/光电子效应促进材料发生物理、化学变化,以实现改性的目的。笔者对木质材料激光表面处理原理、激光类型与用途以及激光表面处理技术特点与应用领域等内容的研究现状进行了综述与分析。现有研究表明:材料对于不同波长激光的吸收系数差异明显,基于此特性可实现木质材料表层激光选择性消融,以满足不同应用场合的加工需求;其次,激光功率、激光扫描路径密度以及进给速度等激光工艺参数,决定了表面处理过程中能量密度及分布,进而影响木质材料表面改性强度与深度,通过对激光参数的优化可实现木质材料表面部分性能(如表面颜色、润湿性、功能性结构等)的精准改性。最后,还探讨了木质材料激光表面处理领域研究现状与趋势,阐明了研究的科学意义和未来研究方向,以期为创新木质材料表面处理技术、实现其提质增效提供理论指导,也为拓宽激光技术在木质材料加工领域的应用范围提供思路。     

Evaluation of surface smoothness by laser displacement sensor 1: effect of wood species

The best methods for determining surface roughness in an industrial environment are of the noncontact variety, with reproduction of the profile. The objective of this work was to compare the roughness profile obtained by a contact stylus with a commercial laser displacement sensor (LDS). Measurements were done using 15 wood species with different densities and colors, based on which special triangle profiles were prepared. The accuracy of the laser sensor was examined by statistical analysis of roughness parameters measured from the profiles. Experimental results show that LDS profiles were imitated correctly. However, LDS accuracy depends on the scanned wood properties (density and color), installation position of the sensor, and profile shape. It was found that evaluation of dark and high-density wooden surfaces was imperfect.Part of this work was presented at the 50th Annual Meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Kyoto, April 2000; and at the 51st Annual Meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Tokyo, April 2001     

Surface properties of wood in physical and sensory aspects

Summary This paper deals with the relationships among the physical, anatomical and psychological properties of wood surfaces which play an important role in end-uses. Visual and tactile impressions of wood surfaces are partially governed by the surface profile, and were expressed in terms of roughness values. Sensory warmth of wood surfaces and thermal behavior at the hand/wood interface were measured when the surface was brought into contact with a hand. The warmth is highly correlated to the thermal conductivity of wood and to heat flow rate across the hand/wood interface. Resilience of balls with various rigidities impacting on wood surfaces was investigated in relation to hardness. It is suggested that hardness and resilience are governed by different mechanisms.This paper was presented at the 37th Annual Meeting of the Forest Products Research Society, 1983, Norfolk, Va., USA