Microstructural study of sanded and polished wood by replication

Replicas of sanded and polished specimens of wood, mainly of pine and spruce, have been made to study microstructure and the development of drying cracks. Three surfaces, the radial surface, the tangential surface and the cross section, have been studied. Replication has also been carried out on knots, finger joints and complex surfaces where dimensional changes occur. It has been shown that sanding and polishing is a useful means of exposing microstructure of wood. The exposed microstructure can be successfully transferred to a replica to be investigated by light optical or environmental scanning electron microscopes. Microstructural characteristics, drying cracks, knots, finger joints and complex geometry have been observed and analysed. Problems associated with sanding and replication are discussed.This work was carried out in the Department of Wood Technology and Processing, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). Financial support from KTH is gratefully acknowledged.