Maple Wood Research Articles

Maple compounds prevent biofilm formation in Listeria monocytogenes via sortase inhibition.

The Pss exopolysaccharide (EPS) enhances the ability of the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes to colonize and persist on surfaces of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eradicating listeria within EPS-rich biofilms is challenging due to their increased tolerance to disinfectants, desiccation, and other stressors. Recently, we discovered that extracts of maple wood, including maple sap, are a potent source of antibiofilm agents. Maple lignans, such as nortrachelogenin-8'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and lariciresinol, were found to inhibit the formation of, and promote the dispersion of pre-formed L. monocytogenes EPS biofilms. However, the mechanism remained unknown. Here, we report that these lignans do not affect Pss EPS synthesis or degradation. Instead, they promote EPS detachment, likely by interfering with an unidentified lectin that keeps EPS attached to the cell surfaces. Furthermore, the maple lignans inhibit the activity of L. monocytogenes sortase A (SrtA) in vitro. SrtA is a transpeptidase that covalently anchors surface proteins, including the Pss-specific lectin, to the cell wall peptidoglycan. Consistent with this, deletion of the srtA gene results in Pss EPS detachment from listerial cells. We also identified several additional maple compounds, including epicatechin gallate, isoscopoletin, scopoletin, and abscisic acid, which inhibit L. monocytogenes SrtA activity in vitro and prevent biofilm formation. Molecular modelling indicates that, despite their structural diversity, these compounds preferentially bind to the SrtA active site. Since maple products are abundant and safe for consumption, our finding that they prevent biofilm formation in L. monocytogenes offers a viable source for protecting fresh produce from this foodborne pathogen.

Multiscale assessment of artificial aging treatment of polysaccharides from tonewood species

In the acoustics of musical instruments with a resonator body, the aging of the wood leads to the improvement of the acoustic properties due to increasing the crystallinity of wood. This phenomenon could be explained by the fact that wood is a complex product based on three-dimensional polymer chains of carbohydrates, its aging being closely related to covalent cross-linking and scission of polymer chains. The aim of this study was to evaluate at a multiscale the changes produced artificial aging of tone wood by measuring the acoustic, mechanical and chemical parameters. The spruce and maple wood samples were investigated before and after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, through the tensile test, the time-of-flight method (TOF), the analysis of the wood color and the determination of the chemical fingerprint through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The obtained results showed that the effects of artificial aging are manifested at the chemical level where the crystallinity increases up to the acoustic level, depending on the wood species and their quality class. These results are relevant for musical instrument manufacturers to find treatments that lead to superior acoustic properties.

Cascade computational model for prediction impact of transient depth change on combustion parameters of certain timber species under continuous heating rate

The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of depth variation and exposure duration on the combustion characterization of the Maple wood species (Acer platanoides L.) and Walnut (Juglans regia L.) according to ISO 5660–1 in case of exposing the specimens to a constant heating rate 50 kWm−2. The delivered experimental data by cone calorimeter apparatus is used to train, test, and validate the optimized cascade forward artificial neural network with topology 2–8–8–12–2. This structure is simulated to predict the target parameters: the heat release rate (HRR) and the mass burning rate (MBR). With real systems, it is possible to achieve a reasonable performance and the closest approximations for the cascade model. The experimental combustion parameters: time of flame out, average specific mass burning rate, total heat release, maximum average rate of heat emission, and fire growth index are considered to make a systematic analysis and assessment with change depth. Three regions are considered for investigation of output target curves, thermally thin (d ≤ 1.1 cm), thermally medium (1.1 cm < d< 1.5 cm), thermally thick (d≥ 1.5cm). The findings demonstrate that independent of exposure period, an increase in depth change causes a sizable reduction in the HRR and MBR. Beyond 1.5 cm of depth in thermally thick regions, there is no discernible effect of time instant on changes in target parameters. In contrast, HRR and MBR gradients across depth in thermally thin regions are striking.

High‐performance wood‐reinforced crosslinked high‐density polyethylene composites

AbstractThis paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the manufacturing of high‐performance wood‐crosslinked high‐density polyethylene composites (WxHDPEC). In particular, the effect of maleated polyethylene (MAPE) treatment and concentration (0–50 wt%) of maple wood fibers is investigated. The samples were produced via dry‐blending followed by compression molding and a set of characterization was performed including chemical, morphological, mechanical, thermal, and physical properties. The gel content was found to increase with increasing wood fiber content, while the surface modification significantly improved the tensile strength (11%), tensile modulus (298%), flexural strength (138%), and flexural modulus (81%). Thermal analyses also showed improved thermal stability and higher thermal resistance for the treated composites. Finally, the Shore D hardness increased by 11.0 (from 61.5 to 72.5) and 12.1 (from 61.5 to 73.6) points, while the Shore A hardness increased by 7.5 (from 91.5 to 99.0) and 8.1 (from 91.5 to 99.6) points for the untreated and treated composites, respectively. These improvements are attributed to effective adhesion between MAPE‐treated wood fibers and the xHDPE matrix. The findings not only advance our understanding of these complex materials but also provide alternatives for various applications from construction to automotive engineering.Highlights High‐performance wood‐reinforced crosslinked high‐density polyethylene was produced. The effect of maleated polyethylene (MAPE) treatment and maple wood fibers was studied. Higher crosslink density in MAPE‐treated wood‐xHDPE was obtained. Wood‐crosslinked high‐density polyethylene composites have better properties.

CHARACTERIZATION OF LIGNIN DISSOLVED DURING ALKALINE SODIUM BOROHYDRIDE AND HYDROGEN PEROXIDE PRETREATMENTS OF SUGAR MAPLE (ACER SACCHARUM)

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) wood chips were pretreated with aqueous sodium hydroxide, sodium borohydride, and hydrogen peroxide pretreatments, and the characterization (i.e., amount, molar masses, and molar mass distributions) of the lignin dissolved during the pretreatments was performed. Of the applied pretreatments, especially borohydride pretreatments were efficient in dissolving lignin from this feedstock, as 20% to 28% of the dissolved organics were found to consist of dissolved lignin, contributing to 3.4% to 9.0% of the initial wood lignin. Corresponding values for 2.5% and 5.0% alkaline peroxide pretreatments were from 5.9% to 9.2% dissolved lignin of the total dissolved organics and from 1.1% to 3.2% of the initial wood lignin. Additionally, determined molar masses and molar mass distributions indicated that borohydride pretreatments generally led to the formation of smaller-molar-mass lignin fragments when compared to reference pretreatments and to pretreatments conducted with alkaline peroxide process, indicating more efficient lignin degradation caused by borohydride addition. For example, Mn and Mw values of the analyzed reference effluents were 54%-62% and 66%-71% higher when compared to the corresponding borohydride effluents, respectively.

Analysis of the Anisotropy of Sound Propagation Velocity in Thin Wooden Plates Using Lamb Waves.

The objective of the study was to analyze the influence of coating treatments on sound propagation speeds in thin boards, along the longitudinal and radial directions of resonance wood. The samples studied were thin boards made of spruce and maple wood with dimensions of 240 mm × 80 mm × 4 mm (length × width × thickness) subjected to different coating treatments (oil-based varnish and alcohol varnish) as well as unvarnished samples, exposed to radiation UV, and specimens treated in the saline fog. The test method consisted of evaluating the propagation speeds of Lamb waves applied to thin plates, according to a semicircular test model, so that the results highlighted both the acoustic response in the longitudinal and radial directions as well as the variation in the anisotropy of the samples with the change in the sound propagation direction relative to wood fibers. Based on the statistical analysis, sound propagation speed profiles were obtained in each of the 38 directions analyzed for all wood samples. The results highlighted that the oil-based varnish led to a decrease in the speed of propagation in the radial direction, compared to the alcoholic varnish, whose major effect was in the longitudinal direction, on the spruce wood. On maple wood, increasing the number of varnish layers, regardless of the type of varnish, led to a decrease in the anisotropy ratio between the longitudinal and radial directions.

The Effect of Steaming Beech, Birch and Maple Woods on Qualitative Indicators of the Surface

This work presents the effect of steaming beech, birch and maple woods on the resulting quality of the milled wood surface. The steaming process of the studied woods results in a targeted change in the color of the wood, which changes from the original light white-gray color to fine reddish-brown to dark brown color shades that are more or less saturated depending on the temperature of the saturated water steam. The color changes achieved during the modification process were identified using coordinates in the CIE L*a*b* color space. The achieved color changes were described through the total color difference of ΔE* and defined through classification grades using a color scale. The technological process of wood steaming with saturated water steam for the purpose of a targeted change in the color of the wood and experimental measurements of the roughness of the milled wood surface proved that the wood steaming process has a positive effect on the roughness of the wood surface of the investigated trees, depending on the steaming temperature. The reduction of roughness in the process of the modification of beech wood compared with native wood was at the temperature of the saturated water steam as follows: tI = 105 ± 2.5 °C by Ra = 12.3%, at tII = 125 ± 2.5 °C by Ra = 15.4%, at tIII = 135 ± 2.5 °C by Ra = 16.9%. By modifying birch wood at tIII = 135 ± 2.5 °C, the roughness decreased by Ra = 13.4%; the surface roughness decreased by Ra = 15.8% compared with native wood by modifying maple wood. The roughness of the milled surface of modified wood in individual treatment modes decreased compared with native wood, which means that the milled surface of modified wood is of a better quality, which is positive for its practical use.

An Experimental Method to Evaluate the Contribution of Wood Substrate and Coating Film to the Light Induced Colour Changes of Wood Surfaces

The paper presents an original laboratory method developed to determine and compare the light-induced colour changes of uncoated and coated wood surfaces, while also allowing the highlighting and evaluation of the individual contributions of the substrate and coating film to the global effect. Two types of wood test samples: V1 (uncoated) and V2 (coated) and coating films on 1mm thick clear glass slides were employed. The behaviour of the wood substrate under the coating film was simulated on uncoated substrate covered with a coated glass slide. European maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and two types of transparent water-based varnishes with 2k formulations were used. The samples were exposed for up to 72 hours to artificial UV-VIS light in accelerated tests simulating natural light passing through window glass. Colour changes were measured in the CIELab system, as well as the chemical changes of the wood substrate and the coating films by FTIR analysis. Exposure of uncoated maple wood resulted in a total colour difference (E) of 10.83 units and this was only slightly reduced by coating (9.29-9.81 units). Exposure through the glass slide reduced the colour changes of the uncoated and coated wood surfaces by 37-43%. Colour changes of 5.79-6.85 units were measured on the wood substrate exposed under coated glass slides, whilst the colour changes of the coating films on glass slides were only 0.64-1.0 units, which indicates a maximum contribution of the wood substrate to the light-induced colour changes of the coated surfaces. FTIR investigation confirmed this finding.

Pyrolysis kinetics and thermodynamic behavior of pseudo components of raw and torrefied maple wood

ABSTRACT In this work, pyrolysis kinetics and thermodynamic behavior of pseudo components (PCs) of raw and torrefied maple wood (MW) were studied. The MW torrefaction experiments were conducted at 240°C and the pyrolysis process was performed under three distinct heating rates. Through the deconvolution procedure, three PCs, i.e. pseudo-hemicellulose (PC-HC), pseudo-cellulose (PC-CL), and pseudo-lignin (PC-LG), were identified. The activation energy (E α ) of PCs were evaluated using the Starink method, and the pyrolysis reaction mechanisms were analyzed using the Criado’s master plot method. Furthermore, three thermodynamic parameters were also calculated and discussed. Results showed that after torrefaction, the PC-HC content dropped from 47.30% to 7.90%, while the PC-CL and PC-LG contents increased from 33.67% to 55.72% and from 19.03% to 36.38%, respectively. The average E α of raw MW PC-HC, PC-CL and PC-LG were 114.56, 117.12 and 116.02 kJ/mol, respectively, whereas they were 92.86, 103.82 and 159.26 kJ/mol for torrefied PCs, respectively. The master plot results suggested that the pyrolysis of MW PCs involved different order-based models. In addition, the thermodynamic analysis revealed that the torrefied PC-HC required slightly less heat energy during pyrolysis. All these observations can be conducive to better understand the pyrolysis mechanisms of raw and torrefied MW PCs.

Surface Roughness of Wood Substrates after Grinding and Its Influence on the Modification Effect of Structural Color Layers

For a comprehensive understanding of the surface roughness of wood substrates after grinding and its influence on the construction of surface structural color layers (SCLs) and the effect of color production, four typical diffuse-porous wood species were investigated by grinding with abrasive belts of different grits. The results indicated that an abrasive belt of suitable grit was required to form the flattest surface for different wood species. Notably, 400-grit abrasive belts can be used for quaking aspen (QA) and yellow poplar (YP) wood, while 320-grit abrasive belts can be used for kang duan (KD) and hard maple (HM) wood for the grinding process. When the grit of the belt was 80–240, the surface roughness of the wood was high, and the gully contour was mainly determined by the machining marks created by the grits during the cutting process. When the SCLs were constructed on these wood samples, the grooves formed by grit grinding caused the emulsion to overflow on the surface of the wood, thus preventing the formation of well-ordered SCLs with excellent color production. In contrast, when the grit of the abrasive belts was increased to the range of 320–800, the main factors affecting the roughness of the wood surface led to the anatomical structural features. Vessels, in particular, not only affected the surface roughness of the wood but also served as a major path for emulsion flow. The number, diameter, and patency of vessels per unit area were the main factors affecting the SCL’s construction and decoration effect on wood surfaces. This study clarifies that the roughness of the wood surface after the grinding process is jointly influenced by the grit of the abrasive belt and the wood’s anatomical structure. Roughness is an essential factor that affects the modification effect of the SCLs on the surface of wood.

Lignan-containing maple products inhibit Listeria monocytogenes biofilms on fresh produce.

Major listeriosis outbreaks have been associated with fresh produce contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Strains that synthesize the Pss exopolysaccharide (EPS) have an estimated 102 to 104-fold advantage over nonsynthesizing strains in causing listeriosis. They more readily attach to the surfaces of fruit and vegetables forming EPS-biofilms that better withstand stresses associated with produce storage and consumption. Here, we show that the threat to fresh produce safety posed by the listerial EPS-biofilms may be countered by broadly available maple products. We serendipitously discovered that aqueous extracts of wood from several Acer (maple) and Carya (pecan, hickory) species inhibit the formation of listerial EPS-biofilms without affecting bacterial viability. One active ingredient in maple wood was identified as nortrachelogenin-8'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (NTG). At 120 μM, this lignan decreased colonization of the EPS-synthesizing L. monocytogenes on cantaloupe pieces by approximately 150-fold, and on cut celery and lettuce by 10 to 11-fold. Another lignan, lariciresinol, which is abundant in a common food sweetener, maple syrup, had antibiofilm activity comparable to that of NTG. Diluted in the range of 1:200 to 1:800 maple syrup from two random manufacturers prevented formation of listeiral EPS-biofilms. Importantly, not only did maple products drastically decrease colonization of fresh produce by the EPS-synthesizing strains, they also decreased, by 6 to 30-fold, colonization by the L. monocytogenes strains that do not synthesize measurable EPS, including strains from the infamous 2011 cantaloupe listeriosis outbreak. Inhibition of surface colonization by various listerial strains, broad availability of maple sap and syrup as well as maple lumber processing waste position maple products as potential antibiofilm agents for protecting fresh produce from L. monocytogenes.

Environment-friendly waterborne fire retardants for protection of wood and bark against fire flames

Flame retardancy was induced in maple (Acer velutinum) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) wood and bark by means of mixtures consisting of bio-based materials such as starch (S) and glue (G) and water-based paint, MINWAX (M) in two different combined formulations with perlite (P) as the main fire retardant. The selected wood species as solid wood with two different treatable surfaces (with and without bark) were examined. The lowest and the highest mass loss occurred in the untreated-ash and untreated-maple wood samples with bark, while the lowest weight percent gain was related to PSGM-treated ash wood samples with bark, and the highest weight percent gain was related to PSGM-treated maple wood samples without bark. The lowest time to ignition and glowing point time were measured in the untreated-maple wood samples without bark, and the highest of them were measured in the PSGM-treated ash wood samples without bark. The effect of bark in the treated- and untreated-maple samples on the time to ignition and glowing point time was greater than the bark of treated- and untreated-ash samples, respectively. There was not any significant relationship between actual retention, weight percent gain, and mass loss for all treatments. However, there was significant difference between the individual and interaction agents on fire retardancy of treated and untreated samples.

Effect of Two Different Ageing Exposures on the Colour Stability of Transparent Polyurethane Finishing.

This paper deals with the influence of dark and light exposure on the colour change of a transparent two-component polyurethane surface finish. The surface finish with polyacrylic and aldehyde resin was applied to the surfaces of untreated and hydrothermally treated European beech, alder, Norway maple, and Paper birch wood. The test specimens were deposited indoors for 60 days. The colour values (lightness L*, redness + a*, yellowness + b*, chroma C*, hue angle h°) were expressed in the CIELAB system. The results showed that the colour difference of the finish surfaces of all hydrothermally treated wood species was 27-50% lower after the dark than when exposed to light. In the case of finished untreated wood, the colour difference was 51-73% lower after the dark than light exposure. Only the finished untreated and hydrothermally treated Norway maple wood surfaces showed similar and significant changes after both dark and light exposure. The lower value of the colour difference of the finished hydrothermally treated wood was due to the fact that steaming wood with saturated water steam has a positive effect on the overall colour stability of the finish and partial resistance to the initiation of photolytic reactions caused by light.

Delignified wood biocomposites as sustainable and transparent materials for passive cooling applications

ABSTRACT Wood possesses unique structural and functional properties that make it a promising material for the development of windows. In this study, the potential use of wood biocomposites as a window materials was explored by delignification of local Indonesian woods, such as mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), sungkai (Peronema canescens), mindi (Melia azedarach), and maple (Acer laurinum), using NaOH and H2O2 followed by epoxy resin impregnation. Macroscopic observations, optical transmittance (τ), tensile and bending strength tests were performed to evaluate their optical and mechanical properties. An infrared exposure simulation was also conducted to assess the material passive cooling capabilities in a room model. The results revealed that mahogany and maple had the highest τ values (86.03% and 81.43%, respectively). Transparent mahogany wood exhibited haze due to optical scattering but showed strong mechanical properties with an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 78.83 MPa and a strain (ϵ) of 2.67%. Transparent maple wood had UTS of 84.67 MPa and ϵ of 2.32%. The use of transparent mahogany and maple in room model reduced the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor environments by up to 11.5°C and 10.5°C, respectively, which suggests that transparent wood can be used as a window material for sustainable passive cooling applications.

Bamboo Violin Innovation in Japan Village Kudus Regency

The violin is a common musical instrument constructed of wood, specifically a variety of maple wood. A bamboo violin musical instrument has been created by a woodworker from Kudus Regency's Japan Village. The aim of this study was to discover and describe the innovations used by woodworkers in the production of violins in Japan Village, Kudus Regency, as well as the discovery and description of the production method for bamboo-based violins in Japan Village, Kudus Regency. The research was conducted using a case study research design and a qualitative research methodology. Following are the study's findings: 1) Local wood and bamboo, such as petung bamboo, rosewood wood, Dutch teak wood, and wood mahogany, are used as the basic building blocks for violins. Wood craftsmen also incorporate Indonesian wayang carvings and a scroll design with an eagle head and a puppet head that both have symbolic meaning when creating violin designs for their musical instruments.

Challenging Question that my Audience Cannot Answer

In this brief article, I present the surprising, symmetry-breaking behavior of a homogeneous log of maple wood. The log is of square cross-section, and is placed to float in a tank of water. The straight symmetric floating state turns out to be unstable, and it immediately lolls over to an unexpected angle. This could explain why, when I was a young kid, my carefully made boats often did not float upright.

Combined effects of linseed oil and heat treatment on the properties of cypress and maple wood Part 1: Water absorption, mechanical properties, and sound absorption capacity

The physical and mechanical properties of thermally modified wood impregnated with linseed oil were investigated to find the relationship between the treatment and the acoustic properties. The samples were impregnated with linseed oil (LO). Heat treatment was performed in an oven at four different temperatures, namely 160, 180, 210, and 240 °C. Statistically, the physical, mechanical, and acoustic properties of the treated wood were significantly intensified as compared to the control samples. The physical properties (water absorption) of the treated wood decreased by 72% as compared to the control group. However, while the increase in both MOR and MOE at 240 °C was 13%, the increase in CS at 240 °C was 7%. As a result of the heat treatment, the porosity increased by 33% as compared to the control group. At 240 °C the maximum SAC value was observed to be 0.71 at 5000 Hz and at 4500 Hz 0.78 and 0.80, respectively. The highest STL value, which was 69.9 dB, was observed at 1540 Hz and 3600 Hz. As a result of improved heat transfer, impregnating samples with LO before thermal modifications was observed to increase the efficiency of thermal modification.

Metode Eksplorasi Limbah Kayu Di Industri Pala Nusantara Melalui Kombinasi Dengan Material Kulit Perkamen

PALA Nusantara is an industry that produces wooden watch products that located in Bandung. The industry, which was founded in 2017, takes the concept of the archipelago such as culture and fauna and then creates it into the form of a wooden watch product. The raw materials used by the PALA Nusantara industry in the manufacture of watch products are rosewood and maple wood. However, currently the PALA Nusantara industry has a problem, namely wood waste from the clock-making process that has not been processed or utilized, so that the remaining raw materials and failed products that are thrown away can be reprocessed. Judging from the problems that exist in the PALA Nusantara industry, this can have the potential to be developed by combining wood waste with other conventional materials, namely leather so that it becomes an alternative product that has a selling value. So in this study the author uses an analytical method of wood waste from industry and leather materials, and uses the exploration method of a combination of wood and leather to determine the potential of the combination of these materials, and also determines the right product to be used as a home decor product. From this research activity, the author hopes that waste can be utilized optimally so that it can add economic value, and the results of this research can later be used by the general public to provide job opportunities and insight to the community.

Physical and Acoustical Properties of Wavy Grain Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) Used for Musical Instruments

The wood used in the construction of musical instruments is carefully selected, being the best quality wood from the point of view of the wood structure. However, depending on the anatomical characteristics of the wood, the resonance of wood is classified into quality classes. For example, sycamore maple wood with curly grains is appreciated by luthiers for its three-dimensional optical effect. This study highlights the statistical correlations between the physical and anatomical characteristics of sycamore maple wood and its acoustic and elastic properties, compared to the types of wood historically used in violins. The methods used were based on the determination of the acoustic properties with the ultrasound method, the color of the wood with the three coordinates in the CIELab system and the statistical processing of the data. The sycamore maple wood samples were divided into anatomical quality classes in accordance with the selection made by the luthiers. The results emphasized the multiple correlations between density, brightness, degree of red, width of annual rings, acoustic and elastic properties, depending on the quality classes. In conclusion, the work provides a valuable database regarding the physical–acoustic and elastic properties of sycamore maple wood.

Heating Rate during Thermal Modification in Steam Atmosphere: Influence on the Properties of Maple and Ash Wood

This study aimed to compare two thermal modification (TM) schedules—with short and long heating phases—and their influence on the properties of maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) wood. Two TM runs were conducted in industrial conditions (open system, steam atmosphere; substantially longer method compared to the processes usually described in the literature), with the same peak phase (200 °C, 3 h), but with different heating rates—slow (1.1 °C/h) and fast (2.5 °C/h). The results revealed that both TMs significantly reduced hygroscopicity and swelling of wood, but the influence of slow heating rate—through prolonged exposure of wood to relatively high temperatures—on dimensional stability was more pronounced. The modulus of elasticity, compressive strength and Brinell hardness remained mostly unchanged after TM (except for fast-modified maple), while the modulus of rupture was strongly reduced by TM in both species. It is assumed—at least in the case of maple wood—that a combination of initial moisture content above 8% and fast heating rate during TM can cause more intensive degradation of wood polymers. Relatively small differences in colour between slow- and fast-modified wood were found. The results confirmed the hypothesis that the heating phase is an important part of the TM schedule, and it can directly affect (together with peak temperature and time) certain wood properties.