Effect of pore conformation on dielectric anisotropy of oven-dry wood evaluated using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and eigenvalue problems for two-dimensional photonic crystals

To clarify the effect of pore conformation on the dielectric anisotropy of wood, the relative permittivity along the longitudinal and tangential axes of flat-sawn oven-dry specimens of 12 different wood species was measured using terahertz time-domain transmission spectroscopy and compared with the values calculated using the eigenvalue problem for two-dimensional photonic crystals. The measured dielectric anisotropy, which is the ratio of the relative permittivity along longitudinal axis to that along the tangential axis, was well explained by the calculated value. It was concluded that the ratio of tangential to radial widths of wood pores affects the relative permittivity along the tangential axis, and that the dielectric anisotropy decreased with an increase in the ratio. This discussion can also be applied to the relative permittivity in frequencies below 0.15 THz. These findings show promise as a new method for evaluating the porous structure of wood.     

Batch measurements of wood density on intact or prepared drill cores using x-ray microdensitometry

The performance of a batch scanning x-ray densitometer for measuring wood density without sample preparation, i.e., on intact drill cores, or on rectangular samples prepared from drill cores, was analysed. Effects of x-ray intensity, sample thickness and fiber direction, as well as extractives content, were evaluated for young (mainly sapwood) and old (mainly heartwood) wood from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.). The x-ray power level used as standard (1.4 kW; 40 kV and 35 mA) seemed appropriate for the tested species and specimen thickness. The density of intact drill cores could be determined with a mean standard deviation of 1.6% for each sample, with a single machine run, if the cores were mounted with a fixed fiber direction and calibrations were made for each wood type. The corresponding precision for rectangular samples was 1.0%. Further improvements are attainable by using standard reference samples in each machine run and batch-wise analysis. For the chosen wood types and measurement technique, a sample thickness of 5 mm should give the best precision. However, for species with very narrow rings, thinner samples would improve the spatial resolution when ring boundaries are angled or curved. Extractives should be removed, especially for pine, but possibly also for spruce, if high precision in density determination is required. Received 19 January 2000     

Rapid identification of CCA-treated wood using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

As chromated copper arsenate (CCA) contains copper, chromium and arsenic, waste CCA-treated wood must be separated from other treated wood because of environmental pollution by chromium and arsenic when it is incinerated and the regulation. Therefore, a method to identify CCA-treated wood was developed using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Using the LIBS apparatus assembled in our laboratory, plasma on a wood surface was generated by a 4?ns pulse of 1064?nm (55?mJ/mm²) emitted from Nd:YAG laser. Fluorescence from the plasma was collected by an ellipsoidal mirror and analyzed by a spectrometer in the range of 190–300?nm. The results showed that the 228.7?nm line from As and 267.6?nm line from Cr were useful for the identification of CCA-treated wood. As the discrimination capacity was confirmed by the elemental composition analysis by X-ray fluorescence, it was concluded that LIBS can specifically identify CCA-treated wood.     

Detection of wood density by using a DOE sensor

HeNe laser light components scattered through small wood samples from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) were investigated using a diffractive optical element (DOE) sensor and the optical signals compared with optical density data extracted from x-ray negatives of the respective samples. Good agreement between the x-ray and optical signals was observed with respect to the gravimetric density of the Scots pine samples. Received 20 January 1999     

Application of near-infrared spectroscopy to wood discrimination

 This study deals with a new nondestructive discriminant analysis by which wood can be classified on the basis of a combination of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and Mahalanobis' generalized distance. Its accuracy and reasonability were examined for wood samples with various moisture contents ranging from oven-dried to a fully saturated free water state. In a discriminant analysis employing second derivative spectra, each wood group was well distinguished. Mahalanobis' generalized distances between softwoods are relatively independent of analytical pattern, whereas the distances between hardwoods are large for easy classification. There may be two reasons for selecting a wavelength: (1) when the chemical component of wood substance relates to the discriminant analysis; and (2) when the difference in moisture content with wood species relates to them. When we correctly construct the database of NIR spectra, confirming the purpose of the analysis, suitable wood discrimination should be possible. Received: January 23, 2002 / Accepted: March 15, 2002 Acknowledgment The authors sincerely thank the Tanabe Southeast Asia Nations Friendship Foundation for financial support. Part of this report was presented at the 51nd Annual Meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, 2001 Correspondence to:S. Tsuchikawa     

Behavior of wood basic density according to environmental variablesOA

The relationships between climate conditions and wood density in tropical forests are still poorly understood.To quantify spatial dependence of wood density in the state of Minas Gerais(MG,Brazil),map spatial distribution of density,and correlate density with climate variables,we extracted data from the Forest Inventory of Minas Gerais for 1988 trees scaled throughout the territory and measured wood density of discs removed from the trees.Environmental variables were extracted from the database ...     

Nondestructive evaluation of drying stress level on wood surface using near-infrared spectroscopy

A nondestructive technique for swiftly measuring the stress level of the surface of wood is proposed, which is important for process control in timber drying. Partial least squares (PLS) regression models for predicting surface-released strain (ε) were developed using NIR spectra obtained from Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) samples during drying. The predictive ability of the models was evaluated by PLS analysis and by comparing NIR-predicted ε with laboratory-measured values. The PLS regression model using the NIR spectra pre-processed by MSC and second derivatives with a wavelength range of 2,000–2,220 nm showed good agreement with the measurement (R ² = 0.72). PLS analysis identified the wavelengths around 2,035 nm as making significant contributions to the prediction of ε. Orthogonal signal correction (OSC) was an effective pre-processing technique to reduce the number of factors required for the model using the wavelength range 1,300–2,500 nm. However, the predictive ability of the OSC-corrected model was not improved. Elapsed times to reach the maximum tensile stress (T _max) and the stress reversal point (T _rev) at the wood surface during drying were detected correctly for 75 % of the samples. The results show that NIR spectroscopy has potential to predict the drying stress level of the timber surface and to detect critical periods in drying, such as T _max and T _rev.     

Depth profiling of weathered tropical wood using Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy

Depth profiling analysis of wood samples using Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS) was carried out to obtain information on the chemical changes caused by weathering. The test samples used for PAS measurements were tropical wood species, puspa (Schima wallichii Korth) and kapur (Dryobalanop lanceolata Burck), that were exposed outdoors for periods of 2–32 weeks. FTIR-PAS spectra of the weathered surfaces were recorded at various moving-mirror velocities in the range from 0.081 to 0.56cm/s (linear-scan method) to provide the depth profiling analysis. The band intensity of vibrations attributed to phenyl groups clearly decreased as weathering proceeded and demonstrated a tendency to be reduced with a decrease in the photoacoustic probing depth during relatively short weathering periods. The bands of C=O groups also exhibited remarkable spectral changes. The PAS spectra of the tropical wood changed considerably during the 32 weeks of weathering, and their spectral contours gradually approached that of pure cellulose (microcrystalline). It was noted that FTIR-PAS is very useful for depth profiling analysis of the wood surface in the early stages of deterioration.     

太赫兹光谱技术在林业研究中的应用

综述了太赫兹(THz)光谱技术在林产品品质鉴定、木材加工业及林木生理研究等林业科学相关方向的最新研究成果,并展望了THz光谱技术及其与其他技术相结合在林木种质、种苗质量检测、森林病虫害预警及珍贵名木鉴定与分类等领域中的拓展应用。     

桦木顺纹抗压强度的SEPA-VISSA-RVM近红外光谱预测

木材顺纹抗压强度是评价木材力学性能的重要指标,而传统测量方法操作复杂、精确度低。以桦木为例,提出基于近红外光谱技术(NIR)的SEPA-VISSA-RVM木材顺纹抗压强度模型,实现对其更加精确的预测。试验选取100个木材试件,在900~1700 nm近红外光谱波段上采集数据并测量抗压强度真值;然后采用卷积平滑(SG)方法进行光谱预处理;使用采样误差分布分析(SEPA)作为变量空间迭代收缩算法(VISSA)的改进策略进行特征波长优选;最后通过粒子群优化算法(PSO)优化核函数参数并建立相关向量机(RVM)的预测模型。试验表明:在特征波长优选方面,以偏最小二乘法(PLS)建模为基础的SEPA-VISSA方法,其预测决定系数为0.9593,预测均方根误差为2.8995,相对分析误差为3.0256,光谱变量数由512减小到111个,占总波长的22%,均优于VCPA、CARS和VISSA算法;在建模预测方面,以SEPA-VISSA所选波长为基础的RVM模型,PSO优化的拉普拉斯(Laplacian)核函数的核宽度为10.4043,决定系数为0.9449,预测均方根误差为2.0432,相对分析误差为4.2936,预测效果优于PLS和SVR。因此,基于近红外光谱的SEPA-VISSA-RVM建模能够实现对桦木顺纹抗压强度更准确和稳定的无损检测。     

A high-throughput X-ray-based method for measurements of relative wood density from unprepared increment cores from Picea abies

We have described a high-throughput method for ring width and relative wood density analysis of unprepared increment cores based on conventional computer tomography scanners (CT scanners) used in health care. The method was developed for analysis of 5-mm increment cores collected in forest genetic and tree breeding trials. For these studies, the relative differences between individuals are more important than the exact value. The method is highly efficient in terms of quantitative data collection from large number of samples. There are, however, limitations in terms of resolution and accuracy on very small volumes of wood that must be considered when using the method to measure individual growth rings or increment cores thinner than 5 mm. However, in studies comprising large number of samples, the use of cost-efficient CT scanning on the major part of the material, combined with more laborious high-resolution scanning on sub-samples can be a good combination for efficient determination of radial variation in growth rate and wood density.     

The accuracy of medical CAT-scan images for non-destructive density measurements in small volume elements within solid wood

Summary A comparison between identically sampled CAT-scan images of five wooden test pieces (Pinus sylvestris) showed that the CT-number in each pixel varied with a standard deviation of ±3.9–11.1 CT numbers. This inaccuracy in CT-numbers is called noise. As long as the direction of rotation can be controlled the noise in CAT-scan images of wood can be assumed to be approx. ±4 CT-numbers in each pixel. A calculation showed the average CT-number must differ ±1 unit to distinguish average CT-numbers in 2 × 2 × 1.5 mm volumes within solid wood. It has previously been shown that a change of ±1 CT-number corresponds approx. to a change in density of ±1 kg/m³. On the other hand, there is a difference in X-ray absorption coefficients between wood and water. Thereby dry wood densities in corresponding volumes must differ approx. ±2 kg/m³ to significantly be distinguished. The corresponding figure is approx. ±6 kg/m³ for wet wood densities with moisture content levels ranging from 6–100%.     

Quantifying lignin and holocellulose content in coniferous decayed wood using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy

To determine the independent decomposition rates of lignin and cellulose of decayed woody debris, a technique for the rapid analysis of lignin and cellulose is required. We applied a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technique to measure the lignin and holocellulose content in decayed wood. We succeeded in creating partial least-squares (PLS) models to estimate the lignin and holocellulose content in the decayed wood of five species using NIR spectra. Although the accuracy was acceptable for the estimation of a five-species mixed model (R ² = 0.970 for lignin and R ² = 0.962 for holocellulose), it was further improved when the model was applied to each species independently. This combination of NIRS and a PLS model is a valuable tool for the determination of the lignin and holocellulose content in decayed wood. The technique is time efficient (3 min per sample) and non-hazardous (no acid treatment is required).     

古建木构件化学组分近红外光谱分析

在材种鉴定的基础上,通过近红外光谱(NIRS)定性分析了建成约600 a的木造古建筑木构件的化学组分,结合木构件化学组分定量分析,与现代木材相比较,探讨了近红外光谱技术评价木构件老化的可行性。结果表明:近红外二阶导数特征性谱带反映了木材纤维素以及半纤维素和木质素的基团信息,而其差谱反映出木构件与对照样化学组分变化。这些光谱特征与传统的化学组分定量分析的结果非常一致:纤维素和半纤维素相对含量减少而木质素相对含量增加,与各种组分谱带差谱的增减相对应。此外,在5 882,5 587和5 464 cm-1等谱带处反映的纤维素结晶和半结晶区的光谱信息,差谱观察到木构件与现代材落叶松之间化学组分的不变或减少,其结果与X射线衍射(XRD)方法获得的木材结晶度分析结果相一致。通过NIRS定性分析木构件化学组分及结晶度变化,接近于现场检测方法,使用便携式NIRS,在古建筑木构件端头裸露部位获取光谱信息,能够实现现场对木材化学组分的无损定性评价。本实验结果也表明,除了常规的红外光谱(FT-IR)、XRD分析技术,NIRS技术对于木构件老化状况的评价是一种有潜力的无损检测方法。     

Predicting oven-dry density of Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and its effect on performance of wood moisture meter

We propose a non-destructive method to predict the oven-dry density of Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy so as to calibrate a commercial moisture meter. A prediction model for oven-dry density was developed using NIR spectra obtained from Sugi samples with a known density. The density of air-dried Sugi boards was predicted with the developed model. Then, the moisture content (MC) of the boards was measured by a hand-held capacitance-type and an in-line microwave moisture meters. For each board, the moisture meters were calibrated by the predicted density. The predicted density was correlated with the measured one with an R ² of 0.81 and a standard error of prediction (SEP) of 15.3 kg/m³ within the measured density of 279.2–436.4 kg/m³, indicating that the developed model was applicable for predicting oven-dry density of Sugi. The MC readings of both moisture meters showed a good correlation with the oven-dry MC that ranged from 12.1 to 28.9 %. For both moisture meters, the density calibration with the NIR-predicted density gave a higher R ² and a lower SEP than with the conventional calibration with the mean density. These results demonstrate that the present density calibration using NIR spectroscopy could improve the performance of the moisture meters for the air-dried Sugi boards with varying densities.     

Near-infrared spectroscopy and wavelength selection for estimating basic density in Mimosa tenuiflora [Willd.] Poiret wood

The aim of the present work was to estimate the basic wood density of Mimosa tenuiflora by using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Fifty-eight wood samples representing sapwood, heartwood and pith were evaluated by gravimetric method and NIRS together with wavelength selection methods. A comparison was made among several multivariate calibration techniques and algorithms for preprocessing and variable selection of data, including full-spectrum partial least squares (PLS), interval PLS, backward interval PLS, synergy interval PLS, genetic algorithm-PLS and successive projections algorithm for interval partial least squares (iSPA–PLS). Finally, the results obtained using iSPA–PLS model for the root mean square error of calibration and prediction were 0.0383 and 0.0166 g/cm³, respectively. A t-test was performed to compare the results of the models with each other and with a reference method. NIRS and iSPA–PLS can be used to predict basic density of Mimosa tenuiflora [Willd.] Poiret wood samples rapidly. In addition, the basic density could also be predicted with only 17 wavelengths in the range from 2,090 to 2,208 nm that should allow for measurement of this parameter using handheld NIR spectrometer.     

Evaluation of intra-ring wood density profiles using NIRS: comparison with the X-ray method

Key message

Pith-to-bark wood density profiling is interesting in forestry science. By comparing it with the X-ray method, this study proved that a fiber optic NIR spectrometer with a high-precision displacement system could accurately measure intra-ring wood density with a spatial resolution of 0.5 mm.

Context

Most near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) studies for wood density determination use samples that have been pulverized beforehand. Attenuation of ionizing radiation is still the standard method to determine wood density with high spatial resolution. However, there is evidence that NIRS could be an accurate and affordable method for determining intra-ring density in solid wood strips.

Aims

In this study, we research whether the results published for intra-ring density predictions in wood can be improved when calibrated with X-ray microdensitometry.

Methods

The measurements were made using a fiber optic probe with a separation between measurement points of 0.508 mm in a range between 1200 and 2200 nm. A total of 4520 density points were used to create partial least squares regression (PLSR). X-ray densitometry data were used as reference values. Twenty PLSR calibrations were randomly executed on 31 samples collected from 28 Pinus radiata D. Don trees.

Results

Upon selecting 20 latent variables, the R ² value was 0.873 for the training group and 0.895 for the validation group, while RMSEP values are 43.1 × 10^?3 and 47.1 × 10^?3 g cm^?3 for the training and validation groups, respectively. The range error ratio (RER) was 13.7.

Conclusion

The RER was high and almost in the range suggested for quantification purposes. Results are superior to wood density studies in the literature which do not employ spatial resolution and to those found in studies using hyperspectral imaging.

     

Predicting the load capacity of wood composite I-beams using the tensor polynomial strenght theory

Summary The tensor polynomial strength theory for anisotropic materials was coupled with finite-element analyses to predict the ultimate load capacity of several wood-composite I-beams. Small-specimen tests with the constituent materials provided elastic constants for the finite-element computations and ultimate strengths for development of strength tensors.Ultimate load capacity, failure modes, and sites of failures in wood composite I-beams were predicted. Analytical results were in excellent agreement with data from full-scale I-beam tests and demonstrated the influence of web joints and material strengths on failure characteristics.The generous assistance of the Trus Joist Corporation, the Blandin Forest Products Company, and the Potlatch Corporation, and the financial support of the Cooperative State Research Service, USDA Forest Service, and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station at Auburn University are gratefully acknowledged. This is Paper 2316, Forest Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon     

A theory of the shrinkage of wood

Summary A relation describing the shrinkage properties of a fibre-composite is applied to a multilayered thin-walled model of wood. With the theory developed it is possible to specify shrinkage with respect to moisture content, as well as with factors involved in cell-wall geometry and composition. However, until more is known of the properties of the water-reactive matrix component of the composite it is only practicable to describe shrinkage with respect to the geometrical and compositional factors at the moisture-content of the stress free state.