Effects of temperature and moisture content on selected wood mechanical properties involved in the chipping process

The effects of temperature and moisture content on selected mechanical properties associated with the chipping process were evaluated. In chipping, mechanical properties such as shear parallel to the grain, cleavage, and bending are involved. Matched samples of heartwood and sapwood were obtained from freshly harvested logs of black spruce and balsam fir to determine the variation of the studied mechanical properties between ?30 and 20 °C, at intervals of 10 °C. Moisture content (MC), basic density (BD), and annual ring width (RW) were measured for each sample. For both wood species, temperature had a significant effect on all mechanical properties under freezing conditions (below 0 °C). This effect was more important for sapwood than for heartwood, which was explained by the difference in MC between these two types of wood. Between 0 and 20 °C, temperature and type of wood did not show any significant effect on the mechanical properties. Multiple regression models were obtained to predict the mechanical properties. These regressions showed that MC was the most important factor to explain the mechanical properties below 0 °C. However, for temperatures of 0 °C and higher, BD was the principal factor to predict the mechanical properties. RW was not a significant factor to predict any mechanical property. Cleavage was the most sensitive one to changes in temperature followed by shear, modulus of rupture, and modulus of elasticity. These results could be of great importance in the chipping process.     

Influence of initial planting spacing and genotype on microfibril angle,wood density,fibre properties and modulus of elasticity in Pinus radiata D. Don corewood

Pinus radiata D. Don trees from six clones, grown at initial spacings of 2500 stems ha⁻¹ and 833 stems ha⁻¹ were destructively harvested. For these trees wood properties were measured on radial slices sampled at a height of 1.4 m above the ground. Relative to wide spacing, close initial stand spacing significantly reduced microfibril angle (MFA) and ring width and significantly increased dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE), fibre length, latewood percentage and cell wall thickness. Density and fibre width were not significantly different between spacing treatments. Examination of the influence of genetic population on wood properties indicated that genotype significantly influenced MFA, MOE and ring width. The key wood properties MFA, MOE and fibre length were regressed against tree diameter, height and stem slenderness. All three wood properties were most strongly correlated with stem slenderness. Multiple regression models developed for MFA, MOE and ring width accounted for respectively 62%, 81% and 58% of the variation in these variables. The following changes occurred in sampled properties with increasing ring number: MFA and ring width declined markedly; MOE and fibre length increased markedly; latewood percentage and cell wall thickness increased slightly; and density and fibre width did not show any radial trend.     

Radial and between-family variations of the microfibril angle and the relationships with bending properties in Picea jezoensis families

With emphasis on tree breeding for wood quality in Picea jezoensis, we aimed to evaluate radial and between-family variations in the microfibril angle (MFA) of the S₂ layer in the latewood tracheids in 10 open-pollinated families of 43-year-old P. jezoensis trees. In addition, the relationships between MFA/wood density with the modulus of elasticity (MOE) or modulus of rupture (MOR) were investigated. Significant differences in MFA between families were found from the pith toward the bark. MFA showed higher values around the pith area, although some families showed relatively lower values than others around this area. In addition, due to a larger coefficient of variations of MFA near the pith, the potential for juvenile wood MFA improvement may be greater compared with mature wood. MOE was correlated with MFA in juvenile wood and with wood density in mature wood, whereas MOR was mainly correlated with wood density at radial positions in both woods. Therefore, to improve the MOE and MOR of P. jezoensis wood, both MFA and wood density would be factors to consider in both juvenile and mature woods. On the other hand, there are indications that, only wood density would be an important criterion for improving mature wood properties.     

Longitudinal shrinkage variations within trees of sugi (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptomeria japonica</Emphasis>) cultivars

The longitudinal shrinkage variations within trees and the relationship with density, microfibril angle, and modulus of elasticity were examined for five sugi cultivars selected for different within-tree distributions of density, microfibril angle, and modulus of elasticity. The cultivars showed significant differences in longitudinal shrinkage and in its within-tree distribution. The within-tree distributions were categorized into two types: (1) large values of longitudinal shrinkage near the pith that decreased with height and from pith to bark, (2) small values of longitudinal shrinkage near the pith that increased slightly from pith to bark. There were strong relationships between longitudinal shrinkage and microfibril angle, and modulus of elasticity, with large values of longitudinal shrinkage associated with large microfibril angle and low modulus of elasticity. Sugi exhibited large variation in longitudinal shrinkage within stem and among cultivars, with the variation strongly affected by microfibril angle. Part of this article was presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Akita, Japan, August 2006     

Variation pattern of wood properties of naturalCunninghamia lanceolata

In this paper, the variation pattern of wood properties was studied for naturalCunninghamia lanceolata. The mathematical models of property parameters were obtained on tracheid length, microfibril angle, late wood percentage, growth ring width and growth ring density in the radial direction. The interrelation were analyzed between tracheid length and microfibril angle. The result can provide scientific theory basis for wood utilization and early prediction of wood properties.     

Variation in wood properties among five full-sib families of Norway spruce (Picea abies)

Genetic- and environmental variation and correlation patterns were characterized for modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR) and related wood traits: latewood proportion, wood density, spiral grain, microfibril angle and lignin content in five full-sib families of Norway spruce. The families were evaluated on the basis of clearwood specimens from the juvenile -mature wood transition zone of 93 sampled trees at age 30 year from seed. Family-means varied significantly (p < 0.05) for all wood traits studied except lignin content. MOE varied between 7.9–14.1 GPa among trees and 9.4–11.0 GPa among families. MOR varied between 47–87 MPa among trees and 61–71 MPa among families. Families remained significantly different in an analysis of specific MOE (MOE/density) and MOR (MOR/density). Hence, solely relying on wood density as a wood quality trait in tree breeding would not fully yield the potential genetic gain for MOE and MOR. Correlations between wood structural traits and specific MOE and MOR are presented and discussed.     

广西融水特色红心杉木优树材质性状变异规律研究

[目的]通过测定和分析广西融水种源红心杉木优树材质性状指标,以了解该地区红心杉木材性状变异规律。[方法]以广西融水种源60株20年生的红心杉木优树为研究材料,测定单株材积、红心率、基本密度、组织比量、管胞性状、微纤丝角等10个材质性状指标,分析各材性性状指标分布和变异规律及性状间的相关关系。[结果]表明:红心率、基本密度、木射线比量、管胞比量、管胞长、管胞宽、管胞长宽比等性状数据分布服从正态分布。融水两个地区红心杉优树轴向薄壁细胞比量的变异系数分别为35.08%和44.97%,变异较大。管胞比量变异系数分别为3.28%和3.56%,变异较小。红心率、木射线比量、管胞长、管胞宽、微纤丝角等性状差异极显著(P0.01),轴向薄壁细胞比量差异显著(P0.05)。10个材质性状间存在12对表型显著相关。[结论]测定的10个性状均是连续性数量性状。早、晚材的管胞长度、管胞宽度和管胞长宽比等性状数据呈从心材至边材逐渐增加的规律。作为重要经济性状的红心率与木射线比量呈极显著正相关(P0.01),单株材积与轴向薄壁细胞比量呈显著正相关(P0.05),而单株材积与基本密度的相关性不显著,这使红心杉木生长量与材性相结合的遗传改良成为可能。     

杨树微纤丝角的变异及其与木材性质的相关关系

微纤丝角为细胞次生壁S2层微纤丝排列方向与细胞主轴所形成的夹角,与木材的物理性质、力学性质和化学性质都有着直接的关系。应用x射线衍射法测定了7个杨树无性系(14株样木)胸径处各年轮的微纤丝角,并对应分析和测定了各年轮的木材基本密度、纤维长度、纤维宽度和纤维素含量。研究结果表明,杨树微纤丝角在年轮间存在显著差异,其径向变异规律为从髓心向外以微纤丝角逐渐降低,年轮间的平均微纤丝角在7.8旱?8褐洌荒静幕久芏取⑾宋ざ取⑾宋矶群拖宋睾吭谀曷旨湟泊嬖谙灾钜臁O喙胤治霰砻鳎⑾怂拷怯肽静幕久芏取⑾宋ざ取⑾宋矶群拖宋睾看嬖谙灾母合喙毓叵??0.01),相关系数分别为-0.450、-0.586、-0.516和-0.660。回归分析结果表明,多项式方程可较好地描述杨树微纤丝角与所测定的木材性质的关系,相关系数均在-0.45以上(n=125)。本文的研究结果认为,在今后针对杨树材性改良的育种计划中,微纤丝角是一个重要的选育和改良指标。图3表3参34。     

人工林场杨木材性质与生长培育关系的研究

本文以生长在 3种长江滩地类型 (江滩、洲滩、湖滩 )、3种栽植密度 ( 3m×4m ,4m× 5m ,5m× 6m)下的3个品系速生人工林杨树木材 [欧美杨无性系 72杨 (Populus×euramericacv.I -72 58) ,美洲黑杨无性系 63杨(P .deltiodescv.I-63 51 )和 69杨 (P .deltoidescv.I-69 55) ,以下简称 72杨 ,63杨 ,69杨 ]为对象 ,深入地分析了人工林杨树木材材性与生长培育之间的关系。结果表明 :( 1 )品系对滩地杨树木材材性有较大的影响。安徽新洲洲滩和湖北黄洲江滩上生长的 63杨 ,湖南沅江湖滩上生长的 72杨纤维长度最长 ,微纤丝角最小 ,导管比量最大 ,方差分析表明 :72、63、69杨微纤丝角和主要物理力学性质差异均达显著和极显著。 ( 2 )滩地类型对72、63、69杨木材材性都有或大或小的差异。方差分析表明 :63杨、69杨微纤丝角、基本密度、抗弯强度和干缩率差异显著 ,说明 63杨和 69杨受滩地类型影响较大。 ( 3)栽植密度对 72、63、69杨木材材性的影响因材性指标的不同而不同。对 72、63、69杨来讲 ,栽植密度越大 ,微纤丝角、导管比量增大 ,纤维长度、木纤维比量、木射线比量都减小 ,基本密度、抗弯弹性模量和抗弯强度也越小。方差分析表明 ,72杨和 69杨受栽植密度影响较大 ,63杨受栽植密度影响较小     

Wood properties of young Douglas-fir in Southern Italy: results over a 12-year post-thinning period

This paper describes the study of a 31-year-old Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) stand located in Southern Italy, which was thinned 19 years after planting. The aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of three thinning treatments (unthinned, selective, and geometrical) performed twelve years later on wood density (WD), moisture content, shrinkage, ring width (RW), latewood proportion (LW%), modulus of elasticity, compression (CS), and bending strength (BS). The WD was higher in the unthinned stand. LW% and BS were lowest in the selective thinning and in the geometrical thinning, respectively. No significant differences were found in other variables. In addition, the thinning processes mostly affected the medium tree class more than the dominant and suppressed ones. Regression analysis established a correlation between mechanical characteristics and WD, RW and LW%. Mechanical strength is strongly correlated with WD than other variables. The stepwise model showed that WD and RW are most closely related to the behavior of CS, whereas only WD explained variation in BS. Stand density reduction may improve the development of stands without greatly affecting wood quality.     

Inter-tree and intra-tree variations in ring width and wood density components in balsam fir (Abies balsamea)

This study quantified and compared intra-tree and inter-tree variations in ring width and wood density components in balsam fir (Abies balsamea) grown in Quebec, Canada. In addition, the study examined correlations between ring width and wood density components at different stem positions from the stump level to the stem top. Ring width and wood density components of individual rings were measured by X-ray densitometry. Both the intra- and inter-tree variations in balsam fir are large, but the inter-tree variation is relatively smaller than the intra-tree variation. Much of the intra-tree variation is due to the radial variation, whereas the axial variation is much smaller. Compared to ring width and its components, wood density characteristics show a considerably smaller variation at both the inter- and intra-tree level. In almost all wood characteristics studied (except for latewood width), the intra- and inter-tree variations are more or less influenced by tree age. Cambial age explains more intra-tree variation in wood density components than ring width, whereas more intra-tree variation in ring width components is due to ring width. Cambial age and ring width explain a comparable percentage of variation in ring density. Only a few of the correlations between ring width and wood density components vary significantly with stem position from the stump to the stem top at the inter-tree level. In balsam fir, a negative correlation between ring density and ring width is significant in the butt log, but the correlation decreases to an insignificant level at and above a height of 3.0 m.     

Development and activity of early saproxylic fungal communities in harvested and unmanaged boreal mixedwood stands

Limited scientific information is currently available regarding saproxylic fungal communities in the boreal forest of North America. We aimed to characterize the community development, richness and activity of saproxylic fungi on fresh wood in harvested and unmanaged boreal mixedwood stands of northwestern Québec (Canada). Fresh wood blocks (n = 480) of balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) were placed on the forest floor in a range of stand conditions (n = 24). Blocks were harvested every 6 months for up to 30 months and characterized for species composition and richness (PCR–DGGE, DNA sequencing), respiration, wood density and lignin and cellulose content. Colonization by a wide range of functional groups proceeded rapidly under different stand conditions. We detected a total of 35 different fungal operational taxonomic units, with the highest species richness at the wood block level being observed within the first 12 months. No differences in community composition were found between wood host species or among stand conditions. However, the variability in fungal communities among blocks (β diversity) was lower on trembling aspen wood compared with balsam fir and decreased over time on trembling aspen wood. Also, fungal activity (respiration and wood decomposition) increased on trembling aspen wood blocks and species richness decreased on balsam fir wood over time in partial-cut sites. The overlap in tree composition among stands, the high volume of logs and the recent management history of these stands may have contributed to the similarity of the saproxylic fungal community among stand types and disturbances.     

Prediction of wood stiffness, strength, and shrinkage in juvenile wood of radiata pine

Development of optimal ways to predict juvenile wood stiffness, strength, and stability using wood properties that can be measured with relative ease and low cost is a priority for tree breeding and silviculture. Wood static modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), radial, tangential, and longitudinal shrinkage (RS, TS, LS), wood density (DEN), sound wave velocity (SWV), spiral grain (SLG), and microfibril angle (MFA) were measured on juvenile wood samples from lower stem sections in two radiata pine test plantations. Variation between inner (rings 1–2 from pith) and outer (rings 3–6 from pith) rings was generally larger than that among trees. MOE and MOR were lower (50%) in inner-rings than in outer-rings. RS and TS were higher (30–50%) for outer-rings than inner-rings, but LS decreased rapidly (>200%) from inner-rings to outer-rings. DEN had a higher correlation with MOR than with MOE, while MFA had a higher correlation with dry wood MOE than with MOR. SLG had higher significant correlation with MOE than with MOR. DEN and MOE had a weak, significant linear relationship with RS and TS, while MOE had a strong negative non-linear relationship with LS. Multiple regressions had a good potential as a method for predicting billet stiffness (R ² > 0.42), but had only a weak potential to predict wood strength and shrinkage (R ² < 0.22). For wood stiffness acoustic velocity measurements seemed to be the most practical, and for wood strength and stability acoustic velocity plus core density seemed to be the most practical measurements for predicting lower stem average in young trees.     

Variations in physical and mechanical properties between tension and opposite wood from three tropical rainforest species

Growth strains were measured in situ in nine trees of three species from a French Guiana tropical rainforest in a clearly active verticality restoration process. The aim was to detect tension wood within the samples. Wood specimens were cut in the vicinity of the growth strain measurements in order to determine the microfibril angle and some mechanical and physical properties. As suspected, tensile growth strain was much higher in tension wood zones, as shown by the slightly higher longitudinal modulus of elasticity. Conversely, tension wood showed reduced compression strength. Longitudinal shrinkage was much higher in tension wood than in opposite wood. Clear relationships between the microfibril angle and longitudinal properties were noted in comparison (i) with those observed in gymnosperm compression wood and (ii) with expected relationships from the organization of wood fibres cell wall structure.     

木材微纤丝角两种测试方法的对比研究

木材微纤丝角是木材各项性质中最重要的指标之一,它的大小对木材的解剖、物理、力学性能和化学性能有着很大的影响。笔者使用两种方法测定分析了杉木的微纤丝角,为研究者选择合适的实验方法提供依据。分别利用X射线衍射法和偏振光显微镜法得到杉木的木材微纤丝角及其变异规律,并对这两种方法进行分析比较,结果表明：（1）X射线衍射法测定速度快,代表性强,适用于大量试样的变异研究,但对实验仪器要求高。（2）偏振光显微镜法测定速度较慢,但实验仪器成本相对较低,适合实验室试样的少数测定。     

Provenance variation in growth and wood properties of juvenile Cyclocarya paliurus

Cyclocarya paliurus is a highly valued and multiple function tree species. There has been increasing interest in planting and managing C. paliurus for timber production and medical use owing to loss of harvestable acreage. Seed from six provenances was collected from the main natural range of this species. Significant variation in growth and wood properties was measured among the six provenances at age 7 years. Provenance mean height and DBH varied significantly from 730–991 and 6.7–10.0 cm, whereas provenance means of wood basic density and crystallinity ranged from 463–554 kg m^?3 and 51.4–74.1 %, respectively. Mean provenance microfibril angle (MFA) at breast height ranged from 18.1° to 23.2°, while MFA at breast height varied from 11.0° to 34.5° among growth rings which showed a consistent pith-to-bark trend of declining angles. There was no significant relationship of growth rate with latitude or longitude of seed sources, however, provenances from low latitude and longitude grew faster at the trial site. Wood quality was significantly related to latitude of seed sources, showing a positive correlation for both wood basic density and wood crystallinity, but a highly negative association with MFA. Significant correlations between wood properties measured indicated that there exists a great opportunity to improve wood quality of C. paliurus through selection of juvenile trees with low MFA.     

High resolution temporal variation in wood properties in irrigated and nonirrigated Eucalyptus globulus

? Environmental determinants of wood properties variation were examined in Eucalyptus globulus, a globally important hardwood plantation species, in southern Tasmania, Australia.

? Radial variation in wood properties, measured with the SilviScan system, were re-scaled from distance to time abscissa using stem radial growth data measured with dendrometers. With this re-scaled data it was possible to evaluate how water availability and temperature affected wood density, microfibril angle (MFA) and fibre and vessel transverse dimensions in irrigated and non-irrigated trees.

? Wood density, fibre radial diameter and MFA were sensitive to water availability. Wood density increased and fibre radial diameter decreased in response to reduced water availability. When high water availability was maintained, wood density was negatively correlated with temperature. Together, temperature and soil matric potential explained about 60% of temporal variation in wood density variation. In contrast MFA was not related to temperature but decreased with increasing water stress. Slower growing trees also had lower MFA than faster growing trees. Slower growing trees had a larger number of vessels per unit area of wood than faster growing trees within this even aged stand. However, vessel radius to the 4th power was significantly higher in faster growing trees than in slower growing trees.

? Overall, E. globulus wood properties were sensitive to temporal changes in environmental conditions (particularly water availability) and associated growth rates. The data provided support for the hypothesis that growth rates are hydraulically mediated.

     

Impact of precommercial thinning on tree growth,lumber recovery and lumber quality in Abies balsamea

Abstract

Precommercial thinning (PCT) is often used to improve stand growth and value. While PCT may accelerate tree growth and reduce mortality, it may also have a negative effect on product quality. This study examined the effect of moderate and heavy thinning on tree growth, lumber recovery and quality in a natural balsam fir [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.] PCT trial 35 years after thinning. Compared with the control, the heavy thinning increased merchantable tree diameter, stem volume per tree and lumber volume recovery per tree by 41.1%, 100.9% and 92.7%, respectively, reduced the Select Structural grade (the best grade) recovery by 33.7%. Thinning did not affect the no. 2 and better grade yield. There was a 12.2% and 15.0% difference, respectively, in the lumber bending modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) between the control and heavy thinning. Moderate thinning had little impact on the visual grade recovery, lumber bending MOE and MOR. Heavy thinning is recommended if the goal is to get sizeable sawlogs in the shortest time, whereas moderate thinning is preferable if the intention is to minimize the negative effects on lumber quality while retaining modest tree growth and lumber recovery. Overall, PCT of very dense young balsam fir stands appears to be an effective and viable silvicultural treatment.     

VARIATION PATTERN OF WOOD PROPERTIES OF NATURALCUNNINGHAMIA LANCEOLATA

m0DUCYIONCunninghaniahaceolataisoneofmalnusedwoodspeciesinSouthernChina.ItPOs-sessesthecharactenshcsofhighadaPabilityandwideuhlity.WoodscienhstshavedonemorereaearchingworkonthegrOwingcharac-tenshcsandwoodPhysicalPropeniesofPlantedCunninghamiaboceolata,butlessonthewoodPropeniesvanahonpatternofnatUralCunninghtzmiahaceolata.ThewoodpropeniesandtheircorrelahonofCunn~oriahaceolatainnatUralforestwerestudiedinordertoProviderelevamtech-mqueparametersofitsPeffochonanduhliza-tion.nsThunSAunare…     

Precommercial thinning as a silvicultural option for treating very dense conifer stands

Lack of available workforce in motor-manual operations has led to increased interest in mechanized precommercial thinning (PCT) treatments. We evaluated 15 years of growth and yield development of a very dense (27,000 stems ha^–1) balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill) and black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) stand after six PCT treatments: (1) motor-manual (MAN), (2) motor-manual with crop tree release (MAN-C), (3) mechanized (MEC), (4) mechanized with residual patches (MEC-P), (5) semi-mechanized (mechanized followed by motor-manual, MEC-S), and (6) unthinned control (CON). Compared to CON, both MAN and MEC-S increased height of balsam fir study trees by 53–56% and diameter at breast height (DBH) by 57–58%. MAN-C and MEC-S increased DBH of black spruce study trees by 15–31% over all other treatments. The proportion of merchantable basal area (BA) was higher in MAN (62%) and MEC-S (56%) than in CON (22%) and MEC (25%), without a reduction in total BA. PCT treatments that provided a uniform distribution of potential crop trees (MAN, MEC-S) performed better than MAN-C and MEC-P, while MEC yielded the poorest responses. Our findings highlight the need to develop new tailored mechanized systems for high wood production and low operational cost.