Microstructural analysis of Eucalyptus nitens wood through computed microtomography

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this work is to analyze the dry wood anatomical microstructure of Eucalyptus nitens, from an eight-year commercial plantation, by computed microtomography. 3D images with a voxel size of 5003 nm3 were acquired to study the tissue in areas without vessels. Quantitative and qualitative data of fibers, parenchyma, and pits were obtained. Permeability was estimated by numerical simulations using virtually segmented 3D microstructure, this technique allowed the simulation without pores of vessels. A bulge was identified inside the tangential wall of the fibers (Tangential Bulge in Fibers), which is connected with parenchyma cells and presents evidence of interfering with deformations. The cell wall and the lumens presented deformation values, and the onset of the microcracks were located on the radial face of the fibers. The Lumens connectivity was measured in the 3 main directions, the radial and tangential ones showed the lowest values since the connectivity is through the pits. This affected the permeability, being the more complex path flow lines in the tangential direction. It is concluded that Eucalyptus wood present characteristics that affect its quality and that the application of this technique increases the possible level of analysis for wood.