Panel paintings—complex multi-layer structures consisting of wood support and a paint layer composed of a preparatory layer of gesso, paints, and varnishes—are among the category of cultural objects most vulnerable to relative humidity fluctuations and frequently found in museum collections. The current environmental specifications in museums have been derived using the criterion of crack initiation

Monitoring the cracks initiation and propagation of construction materials, as well as determining the fracture process zone, constitute two key factors to understand the damage mechanism of materials in order to control the risk of material degradation and failure. This paper demonstrates the results of a laboratory static test designed to investigate the in situ monitoring of crack tip growth in

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and cationic cellulose nanofibril (CCNF) were used to prepare electrothermal films. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, and electric heating performance were investigated by experimental testing and numerical analysis. The results showed that the MWCNT were well dispersed in CCNF matrix. Thermal stability of film was improved, and the maximum decomposition

Electromagnetic radiation pollution has become more serious in our daily life. The portable, flexible materials with an ultrahigh electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) are highly desirable to meet the needs of different applications. In this study, such a material was prepared by combining cellulose paper substrate with an effective electroless plating, which involved successive

The difference between wood supply and demand was sought to be alleviated by considering fast-growing Chinese fir wood, based on its characteristics of large yield but poor performance. Modification of fast-growing Chinese fir wood is an effective method for improving the wood's characteristics. Sodium silicate/magnesium chloride-modified fir (SS-MCMF) was prepared by adding magnesium chloride (MC)

To understand the mechanism of ring shakes in Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii), the ring shake surface on the tangential section was observed and compared with the shear surface of green and air-dry wood. Macroscopically, the ring shakes occurred in the heartwood between the 20th and 40th growth ring. The ring shake surface exhibited an even and clean structure without the fluff. The shear surface of

Thermal treatment (TMT) impacts the mechanical strength of wood. Investigating the compressive strength (CS) of thermally treated wood with variable growth ring orientation is helpful to better understand the effect of TMT on mechanical performance of wood. Specimens, cut from spruce wood, were classified according to two growth ring orientations, namely 10 degree (fc10) and 40 degree (fc40), these

The shrinking and swelling of wood due to moisture changes are intrinsic material properties that control and limit the use of wood in many applications. Herein, hygroscopic deformations of normal and compression wood of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata [Lamb.] Hook.) were measured during desorption and absorption processes. The dimensional changes were observed in situ by an environmental scanning

The differences of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), photosynthetic pigment, organic acids and antioxidant activity in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst) needle extracts were determined to compare different half-sib spruce families’ chemical backgrounds and the abilities to synthesize biologically active compounds and antioxidant activity for potential pharmaceutical

Balsa and kapok fibers are by-products of community plantations. Both fibers have not been optimally utilized in Indonesia. The high holocellulose content and low lignin content of these fibers indicate the potential to be used as a nanocellulose raw material with a simple extraction. The objective of this study was to extract cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from balsa and kapok fibers through a direct

The exhausting fast pace of life in modern urban society is leading to overwhelming stress and diminished cognitive alertness. Moreover, people are spending more and more time indoors due to building densification and urban lifestyle. Therefore, indoor environments that can promote positive psychological perception will become more important. Use of wood in indoor settings and its health benefits are

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00226-021-01296-4

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00226-021-01302-9

Wood–polymer composites (WPC) are commonly prepared by the impregnation and polymerization of active monomers in wood matrix. Due to the inferior interfacial compatibility between wood matrix and hydrophobic polymer interface, the treatment method could not significantly improve the dimensional stability of wood and make full use of the properties of polymer. In this study, a two-step approach was

This study investigated the relationship between the initial characteristics of poplar fibers changed by drying and its enzymatic digestibility (cellulose and xylan) in the whole hydrolysis process. The results showed drying has an inhibitory effect on enzymatic hydrolysis. Based on the results and statistical analysis, a drying index was proposed to represent the accessibility of the dried poplar

In the cultivation of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes), the farmer needs to know the time needed to water in order to adjust the water content of the logs. In this study, six test logs (Quercus serrata, diameter of 38–48 mm, length of 110–118 mm) were used, of which some were dried, some had shiitake mycelia grown on them, and some had mold generated on them. Liquid water was supplied to the test

Two types of urea–formaldehyde (UF) resin adhesives were synthesized with standard formaldehyde solution with 37% concentration and concentrated formaldehyde solution with 45% concentration. For 37% formaldehyde, 10% methanol was used as an inhibitor. For 45% formaldehyde, no more methanol was added. The chemical structure and changes during the resin preparation were analyzed. The performance of particleboards

Isolated single wood fibres with cellulose fibril angles from 10 to 43° were tested in microtensile tests under controlled temperature and relative humidity of 5, 50, 75, 90% and in the wet state. This systematic study provides experimental stiffness and strength data, calculated on cell wall cross sections. It has been shown that stiffness reduction with increasing moisture content is more pronounced

Enzymatic delignification using the high redox potential Peroneutypa scoparia laccase and a synthetic mediator (1-hydroxybenzotriazole) was investigated to improve bleaching of different pulps viz. eucalyptus, bagasse, bamboo and wheat straw. The best results were obtained using a laccase–mediator system. The resulting bleaching efficacy was comparable with existing commercial laccases. The kappa number

A three-dimensional numerical model was employed in simulating nonlinear transient moisture flow in wood and the wood’s hygro-mechanical and visco-elastic behaviour under such conditions. The model was developed using the finite element software Abaqus FEA®, while taking account of the fibre orientation of the wood. The purpose of the study was to assess the ability of the model to simulate the response

In the eastern Canadian boreal forest, long fire return intervals lead to over 60% of stands having an irregular, uneven-aged structure, which is associated with slower growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of stand structure on the dimensional stability of black spruce wood [Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.]. Sixty trees were sampled from stands with regular and irregular structures

This paper provides an overview and analysis of the basic theory of deep learning (DL), and specifically, a number of important algorithms were compared and analyzed. The article reviewed and analyzed the main applications of DL methods in forestry including surface quality evaluation of sawn timber, forest resource survey, tree species identification, wood moisture content prediction, the specific

Several laboratory studies and experiments have demonstrated the usability of polymer films filled with electrically conductive filler as piezoresistive material. Applied to adhesives, the glue lines of wood products can achieve multifunctional—thus bonding and piezoresistive/strain sensing—properties. Based on critical load areas in timber constructions, upscaled test setups for simplified load situations

Hot water extraction (HWE) treatment changes the physicochemical properties of the wood, including hygroscopic properties. HWE treatment decreases the hydroxyl accessibility of the wood, but the relevance of other mechanisms that change hygroscopic properties are not fully understood. This study investigates the effect of drying on the hydroxyl accessibility and sorption properties of wood. Pressurized

Various studies on wood adhesives filled with conductive fillers for future application to structural monitoring showed a piezoresistive (resistance change with strain) response of the adhesive bond lines that is measurable under direct current. The results also showed a relatively high signal noise with low sensitivity. Using impedance spectroscopy as a measurement technique, the improvements in frequency-dependent

TiO2-carbonized medium-density fiberboard (TiO2-cMDF), prepared by carbonization of MDF treated with 50% (v/v) titanium tetraisopropoxide (Ti-tip) in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as a precursor, was investigated for adsorption and photodegradation in aqueous methylene blue (MB) solution under UV-C (254 nm) irradiation. After full adsorption of MB, four successive cycles of photodegradation were conducted

The Young’s modulus in the longitudinal direction of a Sitka spruce specimen was determined by conducting free-free flexural vibration tests based on Euler–Bernoulli’s and Timoshenko’s vibration theories. Comparing the Young’s moduli obtained considering these theories, an equation to calculate the Young’s modulus by considering only the fundamental frequency was formulated by modifying the equation

In this study, chemical and anatomical properties of tumorous and normal root of Abies nordmanniana subsp. nordmanniana were compared. The amount of hemicellulose in tumorous root was identified to be 5.34% higher on average than in normal root. However, the amount of lignin was measured to be around 5.78% less. It was determined that the amount of extractive substance, 1% NaOH, cold and hot water

Thermal modification can improve the dimensional stability of wood without the use of biocides, but the process also changes the colour. Changes in relative amounts of chromophores and auxochromes of poplar extracts during thermal modification were investigated by pre-extraction of ground wood in increasingly polar solvents followed by thermal modification. Changes in wood colour and FTIR spectra were

Glyoxal-based condensation resins like 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) have been used to modify wood and improve its resistance against decaying fungi. High biological durability of DMDHEU-treated wood has already been confirmed in laboratory and field tests in the past. However, the modes of protective action behind an improved decay resistance are not fully understood yet. Furthermore

The impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odor on indoor environment and people has attracted much attention. To reduce this problem of odorous compounds contained in wood panel, this study focused on identifying odorant compounds and exploring the influence of moisture content factors on VOCs and odor emissions. Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera (L.)Vent.) was investigated using the

The synthesis of galactoglucomannan sulfates using a sulfamic acid/urea mixture in 1,4-dioxane was studied for the first time. The effect of the galactoglucomannan sulfation time and temperature on the sulfur content in the galactoglucomannan sulfates was investigated. The introduction of sulfate groups into the galactoglucomannan structure was confirmed by the elemental analysis and Fourier transform

As a simple and effective biorefinery method, deep eutectic solvent (DESs) treatment was proposed to isolate lignin from lignocellulose. In this study, choline chloride/lactic acid (ChCl/Lac) was applied to extract high-purity and antioxidative lignin. Under the optimized conditions (120 °C for 12 h), the lignin profiling indicated that the recovered lignin had a high purity (94.18%), low molecular

The purpose of this study is to investigate the synthesis process of composite materials based on fir bark for thermochemical transformation and to determine the influence of additives such as zinc chloride, natural graphite of various origins on the structural and electrochemical characteristics of the carbonized products. Modification of fir bark sawdust with amorphous and/or crystalline graphite

This research examines the effect of thermal modification on the mechanical properties of the soft wood cell wall in order to clarify the relationship between the micro-level behavior (cellulose microfibrils) and macro-level behavior (bulk wood). The thermal modification of three stages at two different temperatures was conducted on the specimens. Then, the synchrotron radiation XRD under tensile loading

Exposure to outdoor conditions can cause chemical components on wood surfaces to deteriorate. To develop effective wood protection methods, a deep understanding of the mechanisms of weathering-induced wood surface degradation is required. However, the effects of outdoor exposure on wood at the cellular level have not been investigated in detail. Additionally, a comparative study of the degradation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anatomical and chemical components of the bark of Stryphnodendron rotundifolium, a tree species from the Brazilian Cerrado, aiming to provide information that values its use as a source of polyphenols and natural antioxidants for various industry sectors. Anatomy and bark histochemistry were analyzed, as well as the summative chemical composition (extractive

Drying is a process affecting various wood properties, including its structure, moisture behaviour and mechanical properties. Since waterlogged wooden artefacts usually constitute priceless objects of cultural heritage, understanding the effect of drying on the complex interactions between the wood ultrastructure and the resulting properties is necessary to ensure their proper conservation. Hence,

Silica or silica-precursor systems are attractive for the protection of wood against biotic and abiotic damages and for improvement of the fire resistance. Alkali metal silicate solutions, also known as water glasses, colloidal silica (nanosilica dispersions) and other inorganic–organic hybrids resulting from the sol-gel chemistry of alkoxysilane compounds, are products available for this purpose.

Trees have always been important to provide wood as a building material for human settlements. In prehistory, houses on stilts were commonly built in or near to bodies of water. This strategy allowed defense against attacks and subsistence fishing. In Brazil, archeological pile dwelling sites are found only in Maranhão state, Eastern Amazonia. These sites were inhabited by the “Water People” between

The use of fast-growing wood can reduce the environmental impact of the wood industry, but the low strength and flammability of these woods prevent their widespread application. Chinese fir not only has the general defect of fast-growing wood, but also has weak permeability due to aspirated pits. To improve its performance, environment-friendly modifier sodium silicate (SS) and WEP (waterborne epoxide

An electron microscopy investigation was performed to understand the relationship between the microstructure and properties of carbonized cellulose and lignin (softwood kraft lignin) relative to the structure of the original biomass components. Structure details at micro- and molecular levels were investigated by scanning transmission electron microscopy. Atomic-resolution images revealed the presence

Autohydrolysis-based pretreatments enable extraction of hemicellulose from wood tissue prior to the paper pulp cooking processes enabling their further use as platform chemicals and in material applications. In this study, hot water extraction of birch meal was conducted in a small flow-through system. The combination of high surface area of the milled material with increased driving force induced

This paper is aimed to develop a hybrid model (PCA-ANN) to predict the extractive content in eucalyptus wood clones. The input variables to the virtual analyzer are planting parameters available from the forest inventory, therefore the prediction does not rely on laboratory analysis of the wood samples, affording a quick estimate of the extractive contents. This study further bridges the literature

The crystallization behaviors of acetylated bamboo fiber (BF)/polypropylene (PP) composites were assessed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) through isothermal crystallization. The transcrystalline (TC) morphologies of composites were observed through polarized optical microscopy (POM), and their surface free energies were calculated based on Hoffman‒Lauritzen theory. Isothermal DSC thermograms

This work focused on the thorough utilization of lignocellulosic biomass residues for the synthesis of carbonaceous sulfonated solid catalysts (CBSCs), which were then applied to the conversion of the same biomass source to furfural. Four different biomass materials were used, namely Acacia mangium wood sawdust, coconut shell (CS), sugarcane bagasse, and lignin-rich residue from an enzymatic saccharification

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) are used to produce wood plastic composites (WPC) with improved electrical and thermal conductivity. The polypropylene/wood/GNP hybrid composites are produced by melt compounding followed by hot pressing. The effect of GNP loadings (5, 10 and 15 wt%) on electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, tensile properties, and thermal degradation of hybrid WPC containing 20 wt%

In many countries, the wood industry is a crucial sector and has a significant economic impact. In this sense, illegal logging is a way to reduce costs, avoiding taxes, or having access to more valuable wood species. To combat the latter, the recognition of wood species is crucial. However, this task is usually performed by experts through visual inspection, a process that requires sanding and cleaning

The aim of this paper is to present a mixed experimental–numerical approach to evaluate the moisture content (MC) in Douglas fir samples through the use of electrical resistivity measurements. Elevated MC levels constitute the greatest threat to both physical and mechanical properties in timber structures. A reliable MC estimation process is considered a key to ensuring high durability, a long service

The article presents a modification of the existing mathematical model to calculate energy consumption during conventional drying process. Apart from energy consumption, the model permits to estimate the time of high-temperature drying process. The drying medium is air and superheated steam mixture. The obtained calculation results were compared with conducted experimental tests of drying square-edged

The objective of the present study was to obtain and evaluate the conditions of acid hydrolysis for cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) production, as well as to characterize its chemical and morphological structure and finally to realize and evaluate its application potential on paper as a structural reinforcing agent. From bleached cellulose, CNC is obtained by the acid hydrolysis process at 35, 40 or 45 °C

To identify odorous substances of solid wood, the emission from two types of wood species, namely Phoebe neurantha (Hemsl.) Gamble and Osmanthus fragrans (Thunb.) Lour. was sampled by micro-chamber extractor, combined with the Tenax TA tube and multi-bed tube (carbopack C, carbopack B and carboxen 1000). The odor-active compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/olfactometry

The demand for plywood products for the interior and exterior construction has grown significantly over the years. Therefore, detection of defects present in the plywood is of prime importance to maintain good quality of construction. In this study, qualitative and quantitative analyses of defects in plywood using digital holographic interferometric technique are presented. In this process, thermal

An optimization problem was developed by using a genetic algorithm to select wavelengths for establishing multivariate calibration models based on partial least squares (PLS) regression. Two near infrared (NIR) data sets represented by untreated and second derivative spectra were used to predict Eucalyptus globulus pulp yield. The optimization process was run with the number of variables (i.e., wavelengths)

Solar energy used to evaporate seawater and purify fresh water is regarded as an innovative way to address water scarcity. In this paper, high-performance porous wood-carbonized solar steam evaporation (SSE) is proposed by regulating the surface carbonization process, and the evaporation performance of the SSE under different carbonization degrees is studied. The results show that the variation in

Evaluation of the glue line in CLT panels and in other wood composite products in general is of great interest. Non-destructive methods such as determination of the velocity of ultrasound waves going through the materials are commonly applied to evaluate wood products. The present work is aimed at mapping ultrasound velocity (UV) to identify problems of glue line delamination in CLT panels of 3 and

In the woodworking industry, detection of annual rings and location of pith in relation to timber board cross sections, and how these properties vary in the longitudinal direction of boards, is relevant for many purposes such as assessment of shape stability and prediction of mechanical properties of timber. The current work aims at developing a fast, accurate and operationally simple deep learning-based

Glucose is a widely used chemical, food and feedstock. 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) is one of the platform molecules, which could be applied in chemical and fuel industries. This work presents the possibility of glucose and 5-HMF production from inedible cellulose, which is the main component of renewable plant (wood) biomass via one-pot hydrolysis–dehydration over solid acid catalysts based on

Cuprous oxide nanoparticles (Cu2O NPs), phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin, and stearic acid (STA) were used to fabricate hierarchical core/shell structures to endow wood with superhydrophobic function, in which the preparation of Cu2O NPs and the synthesis of PF were carried out simultaneously in one system. The Cu2O NPs with the shape of a symmetrical tetrahexahedron were prepared in this work, and this

To reduce the dependence on fossil fuel, empty fruit bunch (EFB) lignin residue, a waste material generated from second-generation lignocellulosic biomass was used for the production of biopolyol and biopolyurethanes. The acid–base-catalyzed two-step liquefaction process was carried out to drive residual lignin into value-added products. The reaction condition for the second step (base-catalyzed liquefaction)