Properties Of Oak Wood Research Articles

Mechanical and Fungicidal Properties of approximately 100 Years Old Oak, Beech and Spruce Wood Beams

The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate differences in mechanical and fungicidal properties of three different wood species (English oak (Quercus sp.), common beach (Fagus sylvatica) and Norway spruce (Picea abies)) specimens that were in indoor use for several decades, compared to control specimens of freshly cut timber. The collected material was cut to smaller specimen and conditioned in standard climate prior to further analysis. Mechanical, fungicidal, and sorption properties were determined according to the standard procedures. Our results show that mechanical properties of oak wood do not deteriorate in the investigated time frame. On the other hand, resistance of the wood against fungi decreases over time. The reason for this is yet to be confirmed, it could be due to the degradation of secondary metabolites. Similar results were observed for spruce wood as well. There were no statistically significant differences in mechanical properties of old and new spruce wood. In contrary to oak wood, there were also no significant differences in fungicidal properties, considering that spruce wood has lower durability than oak wood. Same as with oak wood, G. trabeum was found to be the most aggressive fungus. Ageing of beech wood resulted in a big drop in all of the tested mechanical properties, but showed no significant differences in fungicidal properties. Here is where the low durability of beech wood really shows. The old beech wood specimens were moderately deteriorated by insects and fungi, which was the reason for loss of bending and compressive strength.

Changes in the properties of English oak wood (Quercus robur L.) as a result of remaining submerged in Baltic Sea waters for two years

The aim of the research was to determine the changes in the properties of oak wood caused by the submergence of samples in the Baltic Sea for two years in comparison with the properties of twin control samples which had not been submerged in sea water. Test samples of oak wood (250 × 10 × 10 mm) were placed in the waters of the Baltic Sea (near the wreck of the Swedish warship Solen). The samples taken out of the sea were examined visually and described. The changes in the physical, chemical and biological properties of the wood samples were investigated. The obtained results indicate noticeable, measurable changes in the oak wood submerged in the sea: 18–25% loss of wood mass, a decrease in bending strength and compression strength of up to 40–65% of the initial values. In addition, the following were noted: a clear change in wood colour and surface structure, an increase in the content of mineral substances, an increase in pH value, a decrease in the content of water-soluble substances and extractives (ethanol). The laboratory test with Basidiomycetes fungi has showed that wood became significantly more susceptible to the white-rot caused by Trametes versicolor than to brown-rot caused by Coniophora puteana fungus. Further observation of the noted changes may be useful for the protection and monitoring of underwater archaeological objects.

Studies on the properties of oak wood from various stands of the natural forest under the control of Sapporo Regional Office

Studies on the properties of oak wood from various stands of the natural forest under the control of Sapporo Regional Office