Articles

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 4, 2024
JÁN KANÓCZ, VIKTOR KARĽA, MICHAL TOMKO, TOMÁŠ BAROŠ, and VIKTÓRIA BAJZECEROVÁ

DESIGN AND ANALYSES OF HYBRID FACADE PANELS CREATED WITH TRANSPARENT WOOD BIO-COMPOSITES

The paper presents the initial results of research focused on the possibilities of using transparent wood for building envelope structural elements in architecture. Sometheoretical analyses of the hybrid envelope panelsmade with different types of transparent wood were carried out. The aimof the study was to assess static and hygrothermal behaviour of such panels. The panels were considered to be two layers of transparent wood bio-composites each 10 mm thickglued to an oak timber frame with only plain air as insulator in the panel.Because only small samples of transparent wood were produced so far, it was considered that mechanical properties of small samples would be retained in large ones as well

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 4, 2024
YOSAFAT AJI PRANATA and BAMBANG SURYOATMONO

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON FLEXURAL BEHAVIOR OF RED MERANTI (SHOREA SPP.) GLULAM BEAM OF VARIOUS NUMBER OF LAMINAE

This research aims to study flexural behavior of Red Meranti (Shorea spp.) glulam beam of various number of laminae by carrying out testing beams made from four, six, and eight laminae. Four points bending test method according to ASTM 198-22 was applied. The research results show that glulam composed of a smaller number of laminas reaches a smaller flexural rigidity. The empirical equations for flexural strength ratio and modulus of rupture ratio, and the trend of flexural rigidity between glulam and solid proposed in this study can be used in designing the flexural members of timber buildings, timber bridges, and in calculating the deflection of timber beams

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 4, 2024
MONIKA STANKOVSKÁ, JURAJ KRIŠTA, ŠTEFAN BOHÁČEK, ALBERT RUSS, and ANDREJ PAŽITNÝ

COMPARISON OF TWO METHOD FOR ISOLATION OF FIBRILLATED CELLULOSE FROM LIGNOCELLULOSIC BIOMASS

Fibrillated cellulose from distillery refuse based on maize starch was prepared by two different procedures. The effect of sonification was evaluated atacid-alkali extractionas well as the type of used acid. The results from the alkali-acid procedure were compared with these obtained by method of steam explosion at different temperatures. The acid-alkali method brings a better result regarding degradation of hemicellulose and lignin as well as cellulose. Lignin/hemicellulose were only released from lignocellulose network using steam explosion at 120-180°C. At higher temperature, the results were comparable with those obtained by acid-alkali method. Similarly pore size distribution of filter paper decreased more significantly when fibrillated cellulose from acid-alkali treatment was applied. After steam explosion, higher extend of longer still fibres remains

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 4, 2024
TOMÁŠ MELICHAR, SILVESTR VASAS, JIŘÍ BYDŽOVSKÝ, ŠÁRKA KEPRDOVÁ, AMOS DUFKA, and IVETA NOVAKOVA

INFLUENCE OF PARTICULATE MIXTURE CONTAINING STABILISED WOOD ON LONG-TERM BEHAVIOUR OF WOOD-CEMENT COMPOSITES. CASE STUDY

This paper presents research on the changes in the properties of cement-bonded particleboard modified with particulate mixture (PM). PM replaced 4% of the binder (cement) and 4% of the filler (spruce chips). The cement-bonded particleboards were tested for physical (bulk density, swelling, linear expansion due to relative humidity changes) and mechanical properties (modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity). Development of phase composition and microstructure by XRD and SEM were also analysed. The long-term behaviour of wood-cement composites was studied over a period of 2 years. The physical, mechanical properties and microstructure of the modified particleboards were compared with commercially produced cement-bonded particleboards from CIDEM Hranice, Inc. There is no intentional change in properties when using PM compared to the reference boards and the values reached the EN 634-2: 2007

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 4, 2024
LOYA JAMALIRAD and SAEED NAROUIE

LIGNOCELLULOSIC WASTE OF FURFURAL PRODUCTION FROM BAGASSE AS NON-FOOD FILLER AND SUBSTITUTE FOR UF RESIN IN PLYWOOD MANUFACTURE

The effect of lignocellulosic waste from furfural production of bagasse (LWFPB) as non-food filler for urea-formaldehyde resin (UF) and also substitute a part of UF resin in plywood manufacture was evaluated. LWFPB was used at four levels of 0, 10, 20 and 30% as filler and was replaced with UF resin at three levels of 0, 10 and 20%. Then the physical and mechanical properties of the plywood samples were measured. Results showed that the mechanical and physical properties of plywood were increased compared to the control (with wheat flour filler) when UF resin was used with LWFPB filler. Higher shear strength, MOR and MOE were associated with the use of 30% LWFPB. Besides that, the addition of LWFPB instead of UF resin reduced the mechanical and physical properties of plywood to some extent, but compared to control sample, the best results were obtained with the addition of 10% LWFPB

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 4, 2024
RUI JIANG, YUANFEI XU, XUEJIAN YANG, LEI ZHANG, ZHENYU FAN, XIAOYAN GUO, FENG XIAO, LIZHI ZHU, and BINGQIN SUN

THE EFFECT OF COLORANTS ON THE DEGRADATION PERFORMANCE OF WOOD PLASTIC COMPOSITES

The degradation performance of the colorful wood flour/poly (β-hydroxybutyrate valerate) composites (CWPHBVs) in natural outdoor landfill was investigated by some physical, analytical, and microscopic tests. The mass loss rate of the CWPHBVs within 80 days of degradation shows a growth trend and the mass loss rate decreases by more than 20%. With the increase of degradation time, the bending strength of the CWPHBVs continues to decline, the elastic modulus of the CWPHBVs shows a logarithmic decline trend. After 30 days, the bending strength of the CWPHBVs decreases over 50% and tend to be stable. The colorant has a certain inhibitory effect on the degradation. However, with the shedding of the colorant, the effect of the colorant on the degradation is gradually weakened. The addition of colorants reduces the decomposition rate of PHBV and improves the thermal stability of poplar fibers. However, after 20 days, this effect almost disappears

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 4, 2024
ALBERT RUSS, ANDREJ PAŽITNÝ, JURAJ KRIŠTA, EMMA WESZELOVSZKÁ, and VLADIMÍR IHNÁT

ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS OF STEAM EXPLODED STRAW WITH THE ADDITION OF ACETIC ACID

The effect of steam explosion on the enzymatic hydrolysis of straw was investigated in the presence of 5, 10, 15 and 20% wt. addition of acetic acid. Analysis was performed at temperatures of 160, 170, 180, 190, 200 and 210°C. The concentration of monosaccharides obtained after enzymatic hydrolysis was considered the main indicator of the increased availability of cellulose due to their release into the solution. The results indicate that the addition of acetic acid increases the concentration of monosaccharides, but only at lower temperatures. The temperature of 180°C corresponded to the most effective pretreatment by steam explosion in the presence of acetic acid with the highest concentration of 10%, which corresponds to the conversion of polysaccharides to monosaccharides of 74.78%. At high temperatures above 200°C, the addition of acetic acid results in a decrease in the concentration of monosaccharides due to the high severity factor in the range of 3.94 – 4.24

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 4, 2024
KUN DU, YOULI WANG, ZHIHENG ZHANG, MING LI, and SAIYING FANG

THE ATTENUATION CHARACTERISTICS OF DIFFERENT FREQUENCY COMPONENTS OF ACOUSTIC EMISSION SIGNAL DURING PROPAGATION IN ELM AND PINE WOOD

In order to gain a deeper understanding of the attenuation characteristics of different frequency components of acoustic emission signal when propagating in wood, this research conduct pencil lead fracture experiments on the surface of elm and pine specimen. Original AE signals acquired by different sensors are decomposed using 5-level wavelet transform, the attenuation characteristics of different frequency components are studied, and the acoustic emission source is located according to the energy of different frequency components. The results indicate that the propagation distance is the main factor affecting the attenuation of AE signals. The longer the propagation distance, the greater the degree of attenuation. The attenuation characteristics of high-frequency components of acoustic emission signals deviate from the ideal attenuation model after the propagation distance greater than 10 cm. The higher the frequency components of acoustic emission signals, the faster they attenuatewhen propagation in elm and pine specimen

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 4, 2024
HARUNA SEIDU, RÓBERT NÉMETH, and FRANCIS WILSON OWUSU

MECHANICAL STRENGTH CHARACTERIZATION OF THREE LESSER-UTILISED TIMBER SPECIES IN GHANA

This study investigates the mechanical properties of three lesser-utilized timber species in Ghana: Blighia sapida, Gilbertiodendronlimba, and Lanneawelwitschii. Despite their potential, these species are underexplored compared to widely used commercial timbers. Six trees, two from each species, were tested for properties such as modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), compressive strength, shear strength, hardness, and density. Results indicate that Blighia sapida has superior mechanical properties, placing it in the D50 strength class, suitable for high-resistance structural applications. Gilbertiodendronlimba and Lanneawelwitschii are categorized under the D40 strength class, appropriate for moderate load-bearing uses. This research demonstrates that lesser-utilized species can serve as viable alternatives to traditional timbers, potentially reducing pressure on overexploited species. By promoting their use, the study supports sustainable forestry practices and contributes to a more diversified and resilient timber industry in Ghana

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 4, 2024
MARIJA TODOROVIĆ, IVAN GLIŠOVIĆ, and NAĐA SIMOVIĆ

EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF CLT PANELS WITH DIFFERENT ORIENTATIONS OF TRANSVERSE LAYERS

This paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation of two configurations of panels made of locally produced cross-laminated timber (CLT) with different orientations of laminations (boards) within transverse layers – conventional and modified orientation. Modified orientation refers to laminations of transverse layers positioned at an angle of ±45° in relation to longitudinal layers. The expected advantages of modified CLT are improved mechanical performance, more efficient use of resources considering material properties, reduction in variability of characteristics within the panels and increase in shear resistance. In addition to experimental testing, numerical analysis based on finite element method was performed and successfully validated in order to serve as a more efficient tool for CLT panel investigation and optimization

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 4, 2024
SINTA AMANAH, RESA MARTHA, EFRIDA BASRI, MAHDI MUBAROK, ISTIE SEKARTINING RAHAYU, IRSAN ALIPRAJA, WAYAN DARMAWAN, PHILLIPPE GÉRARDIN, LUKAS EMMERICH, HOLGER MILITZ, and UMMI HANI ABDULLAH

THE EFFECT OF WEATHERING ON SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS OF CHEMICALLY MODIFIED SCOTS PINE (PINUS SYLVESTRIS) WOOD

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sapwood of 200 × 20 × 80 mm3 (L×R×T) was treated with both cell wall filling and lumen filling chemical agents (low-molecular phenol-formaldehyde, bio-oil, N-methylol/N-methyl compounds, sorbitol-citric acid, polysiloxane), which were fixed inside the wooden structure during heat-curing processes. The present study investigated the impact of the appointed chemical modifications on the surface characteristics of wood, which was addressed by measurements of the surface roughness (Ra), surface free energy (SFE), contact angles, wettability and its bonding quality. Independent of the chemical agents applied, Ra decreased as result of the chemical treatments, while SFE experienced a reduction. The Ra and SFE of both untreated and modified pine specimens increased after weathering processes. The weathering was appointed to cause a decrease in the equilibrium contact angle (θe) and an increase in the constant contact angle change rate (K-value). Increasing K-values after weathering for both untreated and modified pine specimens indicated their better wettability. Increasing wettability after weathering led to better adherence of acrylic paints on the surface of the Scots pine wood. In summary, the chemical modifications decreased the Ra and SFE of the pine sapwood, which may as a consequence affect the wettability and bonding quality of wood during outdoor exposure

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 4, 2024
CHUMIN CHEN, MING LI, SAIYIN FANG, and BO ZHANG

ANISOTROPIC VELOCITY MODEL AND ENERGY ATTENUATION CHARACTERISTICS OF ACOUSTIC EMISSION SIGNALS IN FINGER-JOINTED TIMBER AND SAWN TIMBER

Although anisotropic propagation behavior of acoustic emission (AE) in the sawn timber (ST) has been revealed, that in finger-jointed timber (FJT) is still less known.Therefore, a series of velocity and energy models of AE signalswere built as it propagates along different directions on the surface and inside of specimens (ST and FJT). At first, using polar coordinate system, velocity model in 36 directions was built in FJT, which was compared to ST.Furthermore, a continuous sine wave with a frequency of 165 kHz was selected as AE source to explore the energy attenuation law in FJT and ST respectively.The results showed that there are significant differences in velocity models between FJT and ST.The wavefront in STwas regular elliptical, while that in FJT has a clear depression in perpendicular to grain direction.This feature becomes more obvious with the increase of distance when AE signal propagates inside the FJT.Inside the FJT,energy magnitude in STwas 3.00-7.37 times of that in FJT

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 4, 2024
JINGE XIE, HONGHAI LIU, YU XIE, and XIAOKAI ZHANG

INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE ON SUPERCRITICAL CO2 DEWATERING OF BAMBOO STRIPS

In this study, therepressure (15, 22.5, 30 MPa) and two temperature (45, 60°C) of ScCO2dewatering were tested on Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) strips. The aim was to research the effects of these conditions on the dewatering rate, moisture distribution, and shrinkage of bamboo. The results showed that: 1)The first cycle discharges the most water of all drying conditions. The most effective dewatering time consisted of a 15 min depressurization period and a 5 min discharge period. 2)The ScCO2 dewatering rate of bamboo strips decreased with decreasing MC, with a maximum decrease of 78%.The maximum and minimum dewatering rates were 37.04%/h and 4.41%/h, respectively. The dewatering rate was synergistically affected by temperature and pressure, which increased significantly with pressure at 45°C, but was minimized at 60°C at 22.5 MPa. 3)After dewatering, the moisture distribution in the bamboo strips shows a trend of higher moisture content(MC) in the middle and lower MC on both sides in the tangential and radial directions. 4)Most of the bamboo strips produced shrinkage after the 1st cycle of dewatering, and the overall shrinkage in the tangential direction was greater than that in the radial direction. The maximum tangential and radial shrinkage rations are 3.06% (22.5 MPa/45°C) and 0.94% (15 MPa/60°C), respectively.

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 4, 2024
DOAN VAN DUONG, MASUMI HASEGAWA, MANH TUONG VU, and VAN HUNG HOANG

RADIAL AND AMONGCLONAL VARIATIONS OF TRANSVERSE SHRINKAGE AND BASIC DENSITY IN 5-YEAR-OLDACACIA AURICULIFORMIS CLONES PLANTED IN VIETNAM

This study investigatedtransverse shrinkages and wood density for Acacia auriculiformis trees from six clones planted in north-central Vietnam. Radial and among-clonal variations of partial and total shrinkages in tangential (respective to Tn and T) and radial (respective to Rn and R) directions, partial and total coefficient of anisotropy (respective to Tn/Rn and T/R), and basic density (BD) were examined. There were significant differences among clones for Rn and R, but no significant differences were found among clones for Tn and T. The lowest average Rn and R were detected in clones Clt18 and Clt26, suggesting that these clones might be more appropriate for breeding programs focused on improving shrinkage traits for sawn timber production. BD is not a good indicator for predicting transverse shrinkages. In contrasts, stress wave velocity measured in standing trees has the potential to be used as a non-destructive method for predicting the transverse shrinkage of A. auriculiformis planted in Vietnam

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 4, 2024
LEIF PORTAL, ROGER CHAMBI, JÚLIA GIL, GABRIEL PEREIRA, and MARIO TOMAZELLO

MAPPING WOOD DENSITY VARIATION USING QGIS: AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF OCHROMA PYRAMIDALE, ACACIA MANGIUM, EUCALYPTUS GRANDIS, AND PINUS SP.

This study explores the innovative application of QGIS for mapping radial wood density variation across the entire cross-section of selected native and non-native forest species, aiming to enhance wood characterization. Using samples from Ochroma pyramidale, Acacia mangium, Eucalyptus grandis, and Pinus sp., we applied X-ray densitometry to obtain high-resolution images, which were then analyzed with QGIS to create detailed density maps. These maps provided a clear visualization of radial density variation, offering insights into the internal structure of the wood. The integration of QGIS with X-ray densitometry proved to be an effective tool for assessing wood density variation, supporting more precise and sustainable forest management practices

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 3, 2024
SHAOXIANG CAI, YULIANG GUO, and YANJUN LI

EFFECT OF PHENOL FORMALDEHYDE RESIN IMPREGNATION ON NANODYNAMIC VISCOELASTICITY OF PINUS MASSONIANA LAMB IN WET STATE

We evaluated the effects of phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin modification on Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) wood cell wall in wet states. The penetration degree of PF resin into wood cell was determined using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The micromechanical properties of PF-modified wood cell walls in wet state were analyzed by quasi-static nanoindentation and dynamic modulus mapping techniques. Results showed that the PF resin significantly affected the static viscoelasticity and nanodynamic viscoelasticity of wood cell walls in oven-dried and wet states. The cell-wall mechanics increased at a PF resin concentration due to the increased bulking effects, such as decreased crystallinity of cellulose. Furthermore, the microfibrillar angle (MFA) of cell walls was lower than that of the control wood cell wall. The cell-wall mechanics of PF resin-modified sample decreased small than control sample in wet states

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 3, 2024
PATRIK MITRENGA, LINDA MAKOVICKÁ OSVALDOVÁ, MIROSLAVA VANDLÍČKOVÁ, and MILAN KONÁRIK

OPTIMIZING THE AMOUNT OF FLAME RETARDANT USED FOR SPRUCE WOOD

The study investigated the effect of the amount of selected retardant coatings produced and used in the Slovak Republic on the fire resistance of spruce wood samples. Experiments were conducted for two different types of flame retardants: intumescent flame retardant (IFR) and inorganic salt-based flame retardant (IS). Based on different amounts of coating applied to spruce wood samples, the important parameters as mass loss, mass loss rate and fire spread rate were determined. The experiment consisted of applying a flame source to the samples at an angle of 45° and monitoring the mass of the samples during the experiment. The findings show that when IFR is used, the protection effect of the wooden samples increases linearly with the amount of coating. However, for the samples on which an IS flame retardant was applied, a higher amount of coating had no effect on increasing the fire resistance of the wood. In this case, the average total mass loss was the same regardless of the amount of coating, yet a significant retardation effect was observed compared to the untreated samples. Samples treated with IFR showed a lower total mass loss and also a significantly lower maximum mass loss rate compared to the samples with applied IS flame retardant

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 3, 2024
MERYEM KACMAZ UNVER, MUSTAFA ALTUNOK, and SEKIP SADIYE YASAR

THE INVESTIGATION OF NATURAL AGING BEHAVIOR OF SOME WOOD SPECIES MODIFIED WITH NATURAL PRESERVATIVES

This study evaluates the effects of 12-month outdoor weathering on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea L.) woods modified with tannins. Wood specimens were divided into four groups: Group A (control, natural aging (NA)), Group B (NA + 100% walnut tannin (WT)), Group C1 (NA + 50% WT and 50% pine tannin), and Group C2 (NA + 50% WT and 50% oak tannin). Group A showed density decreases of 4.3% for Scots pine and 4.7% for sessile oak, while Group B samples exhibited density increases of 2.6% and 1.6%, respectively. Group A specimens had hardness losses of 36.3% for Scots pine and 28.7% for Sessile oak, compared to reduced losses of 8.8% and 11.2% in Group B. Bending strength and modulus of elasticity also decreased significantly in Group A but were minimally affected in Group B. These results indicate that tannin treatments, particularly walnut tannin, improve wood durability and mechanical performance, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional treatments

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 3, 2024
CHENYANG LI, YATING CAI, XINJIE ZHOU, RUOGU XU, HAN YU, LILI YU, HUI LI, XIAO WANG, and SHU-GUANG LI

PREPARATION PROCESS AND INTERFACE MODIFICATION ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF BAMBOO FIBER/POLYPROPYLENE CARBONATE COMPOSITES

In this study, bamboo fiber (BF) and polypropylene carbonate (PPC) were used to prepare BF/PPC composite materials. The single factor test combined with orthogonal experiment was used to investigate the effects of different hot pressing process conditions (hot pressing temperature, hot pressing pressure and hot pressing time) on the mechanical properties of BF/PPC composites. Based on the hot pressing process results, the filler nano-calcium carbonate (Nano-CaCO3), γ-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (KH550) and maleic anhydride (MAH) were added respectively to the composites to improve the interface between BF and PPC in order to increase the mechanical properties of the composites. The results showed that the reasonable preparation conditions of BF/PPC composites with the best mechanical properties were set at 170°C, under 1.9 MPa for 10 min. Compared with PPC samples, the tensile modulus, bending modulus and impact strength of BF/PPC composites could be increased to 102%, 38.69% and 65.13%, respectively. The optimal interface modification treatments have been proved that nano-CaCO3 with 10% content could increase the tensile modulus and impact strength to 70.53% and 65.84%, while the best result for the bending modulus of BF/PPC composites was modified with MAH with 2.5% content, which could increase to 28.46%

WOOD RESEARCH Volume 69, Number 3, 2024
HİKMET YAZICI

IMPACT OF HOLLOW CORE DIAMETER AND BFRP WRAPPING ON AXIAL COMPRESSIVE STATIC PERFORMANCE OF TIMBER

This paper presents an experimental study on the axial compressive static performance of the cylindrical timber-wrapped basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP). Beech and black pine woods were used as cylindrical timber material, polyurethane (PUR) adhesive was used as the adhesive agent, and BFRP was used as fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP). The stress on compression tests was applied to 70 pieces of test samples prepared. The results showed that there was found out that the highest average stress value of 51.8 MPa was achieved inthe black pine cylindrical timber- BFRP wrapping- hollow core (Ø=70 mm)- the beech cylindrical timber blocks- BFRP wrapping samples under compression loading. The lowest average value stress value of 30.78 MPa was found in the black pine cylindrical timber- none hollow core samples. On average, the stress of the black pine cylindrical timber- BFRP wrapping- hollow core (Ø=70 mm)- the beech cylindrical timber blocks- BFRP wrapping samples were68% higher than the stress of the black pine cylindrical timber- none hollow core samples. The influence of the hollow core diameter and the BFRP wrapping type were found statistically significant