Use Of Wood Research Articles

Commercialization as a Tool for the Conservation of Environmental Resources

The primary objective of the paper is to report the survey of environmental resources conducted in Ode-Irele forest using two staged technique. This study was framed within the model that sustainable management of environmental resources is a consequence of heavy reliance on subsistence extraction of resources. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages. The result reveals that 65% of the respondents hunted wild animals for food, 62% also traded in wild animals and their products, 69% traded in natural honey, and 86% also traded in medicinal plants. 92% of respondents were involved in collecting wood for use and sale, while 92% were also involved in trade in wild fruits. Most of the respondents, who hunted animals for food, traded in wild animals and their products, natural honey, medicinal plants, wild fruits and those who also collected firewood for use and sale also conserved trees on their farms for the continued availability of the resources. Sustainable use of environmental resources by local residents in natural forested areas could only be achieved if they realize that continued availability of the resources is dependent upon the wise use and most importantly the conservation of the resources.

Evaluation of different woods against fungus-growing termite Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) (Blattodea: Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) for use in bait stations

Fungus-growing termites are important pests in buildings and agriculture in Pakistan and are difficult to control with existing bait systems. Development of bait systems requires the knowledge of foraging behavior of termite species. Behavior of foraging workers depends upon the quality and quantity of the food placed in the bait stations. In the current study, we tested 16 different woods (of varying density) for their susceptibility to an important fungus-growing termite, Odontotermes obesus (Rambur). The aim was to find a highly susceptible wood for use in bait stations. The woods were evaluated in no-choice and choice feeding experiments in the field by mass loss and visual ratings to the termites. Statistically significant differences were recorded (P < .001). Woods having low density were preferred to high density woods. Highest mass losses (%) were recorded from Ficus religiosa (86.49–87.8%), Bombax malabaricum (86.53–88.43%) and Populus euramericana (75.62–76.31%) in both no-choice and choice tests under “very heavy attack (almost collapsed) to completely consumed” visual rating category. The woods having least mass losses were Albizia lebbeck heartwood (7.03–9.91%), Syzygium cumini (14.25–19.89%) and Dalbergia sissoo heartwood (14.35–24.88%) and had “slightly to superficial attack” with minimum rating values. Ficus religiosa, B. malabaricum and P. euramericana appear suitable woods for use in bait stations for fungus-growing termites.

Performance of copper treated utility poles and posts used in service for several years

Copper based wood preservatives are among the most important wood preservatives for heavy-duty applications. Wood treated with copper-based preservatives performs excellently if applied according to preservative specifications. If used improperly, premature failures can appear. In order to elucidate the properties of copper treated wood in use, utility poles and posts treated with copper-based preservatives were investigated. Poles were cut into smaller specimens, and copper and chromium penetration, retention, mechanical properties, extractive content, short-term water uptake and fungicidal properties were then determined. The results clearly showed that wood retains its properties if treated with sufficient amounts of copper-based wood preservatives. Insufficient amounts of preservatives applied result in premature failures of wood commodities. Regardless of the type of wood preservative used, the central part of spruce wood poles and piles is the weakest point, where the majority of the failures occurs.

Propriedades Mecânicas da Madeira de Acácia-Negra aos Quatro e Sete Anos de Idade

This study aims to analyze mechanical properties of wood of Acacia mearnsii De Wild, from plantations felled at four and seven years old, in order to consolidating its use as a structural material. To this, 10 trees was selected in plantations conducted in Piratini city, Rio Grande do Sul state. The mechanical properties were evaluated by destructive (flexural, compression parallel to grain and Janka hardness) and non-destructive tests (ultrasound method). With base on the levels of mechanical properties reported in background studies, based on their mechanical properties, we indicate the black acacia wood for use in structural projects. About the interaction of the age factor, in general, we found that the wood from the plantation of seven years old showed better mechanical properties. The dynamic elastic modulus measured by ultrasound method showed satisfactory correlations with mechanical properties evaluated by flexural and compression parallel to grain.

Effect of a mild torrefaction for production of eucalypt wood briquettes under different compression pressures

The heat treatment of wood (i.e. torrefaction) followed by densification of wood particles (e.g. by briquetting) may be used as a process to improve homogeneity and energy properties of wood for use as a solid fuel. The wood of Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus spp. were treated at 180, 200 and 220 °C for 60 min under a nitrogen atmosphere. Briquettes were produced with untreated and heat-treated wood particles using 120 °C, for 7 min pressing and 6 min cooling time, under pressures of 6.9, 10.3 and 13.8 MPa. The briquetting compacting pressure showed no significant influence on the briquettes properties. Briquettes density was similar for all cases presenting 1.14 g cm−3 for Eucalyptus spp. and 1.06 g cm−3 for Eucalyptus grandis wood. A mild torrefaction of the wood at 200–220 °C increased the potential energy of the particles and briquettes, showing an improvement in their density, dimensional stability and hygroscopicity. Briquettes produced from heat-treated Eucalyptus spp. wood presented higher energy density (24.79 GJ m−3) at 200°C-treatment when compared with untreated wood (20.76 GJ m−3). Regarding E. grandis, briquettes produced with heat-treated (200 °C) particles showed only a marginal higher energy content than with untreated wood, 21.70 GJ m−3 and 21.38 GJ m−3, respectively. The two eucalypt woods showed differences regarding the heat treatment and briquetting, pointing out that the optimization of these processes should be specific for each species. However, a mild torrefaction of the wood particles decreased the differences between materials which might be useful as a process to increase feedstock homogeneity when using mixed raw-materials.

Thermally Modified Wood for Use in Musical Instruments

The unique mechanical and acoustical properties of wood and its aesthetic appeal still make it the material of choice for musical instruments. Here tropical hardwoods are typically used in musical instruments. This paper gives an overview of how the use of thermally modifi ed wood can contribute to the use of raw materi- als for musical instruments. It is shown that a mild thermal treatment leads to clear changes of the measurable acoustic characteristics, such as Young's modulus, damping and sound velocity. In conclusion, thermally modifi ed wood (mild treatment) is a material with favorable characteristics for making musical instruments.

Mitigating Biodiversity Concerns in Eucalyptus Plantations Located in South China

China’s growing economy and changes in policies that encourage afforestation, particularly in the industrial sector, have led vast areas in south China to be planted with eucalyptus. These large areas of eucalyptus plantings have elicited environmental concerns for two primary reasons. First there is a concern related to the water demand of eucalyptus, in which it is feared these large areas of eucalyptus will deplete aquifers and create shortages in water supplies. The second concern is in regard to the reduction in biodiversity across large landscapes, leading to further ecological demises. This paper proposes two ideas to possibly mitigate some of the biodiversity concerns. The first is the interplanting of alder-leaf birch (Betula alnoides), a native but dwindling species in south China, to enhance biodiversity and encourage it’s reestablishment across the landscape. The second is to encourage retention harvests of alder-leaf birch planted within eucalyptus plantations to enhance not only biological diversity but also structural diversity across the landscape. Alder-leaf birch has demonstrated great potential in producing high quality timber and wood for use in furniture manufacturing.

Permeability of Paricá (Schizolobium amazonicum herb.) Wood Species from the Amazon Region

<b> </b><b> </b>Paricá (<i>Schizolobium amazonicum</i> Herb.), is a native species from Amazon region, with very susceptible wood to xylophagous agents attacks. Therefore, to know the permeability of this species is information to define the chemical treatment suitable for the durability of this wood in use. For this study, it sawed wood from planted areas of the amazon region was used. It is possible to determine the permeability with the aid of proper equipment. The specimens, used in this research, were obtained randomly from pieces, 6 specimens for each one of the fluids tested: atmospheric air, distilled water and CCA chemical preservative. The value of atmospheric air permeability was 504.15 cm³/cm.atm.s with variation coefficient of 7.78%. For distilled water, the permeability and the variation coefficient were 10.84 cm³/cm.atm.s and 23.16%, respectively. Regarding the CCA, the permeability was 228.69 cm³/cm.atm.s and the variation coefficient 61.97%.

Microfibril angle of Eucalyptus grandis wood in relation to the cambial age

The microfibril angle (MFA) of wood is an important feature, which helps to explain the physical and mechanical behaviour of wood in use. It has been little investigated for wood produced in Brazil, mainly for mature trees. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the MFA of Eucalyptus grandis at age 25 years in relation to the cambial age. One disk was cut from the base of the stem from each of three trees, where growth rings were marked. From a central strip 3,0 cm wide, 1 cm3 blocks were removed from each growth ring. After sectioned on the tangential face with a sliding microtome, sections of 8 μm thick were macerated. The individual fibres were observed by polarized light microscopy for measurement of MFA. According to the results, i) the MFA decreased from 29,3° (ring no 1) to 18,9° (ring no 25); ii) MFA can be estimated by the cambial age – a, according to the equation MFA = 28,1 – 0,35 × a, with R2 = 94,7%.

The beauty of Victorian beasts: illustration in the Reverend J. G. Wood's Homes without hands (W. T. Stearn Prize 2012)

The Reverend John George Wood (1827–1889) was a successful popularizer of natural history in the Victorian era. His Illustrated natural history (1853) and Common objects series (1857–1858) have been written about extensively. However, historians have largely ignored his most successful book, Homes without hands, in spite of its exquisite designs and profound connections with natural domesticity. In addition, little research has been conducted on the illustrations that appear across Wood's publications, despite their great popularity during his lifetime. This article examines the creation, popularization and methods of communication of this beautiful natural history book. A work explicitly about animal dwellings, Homes without hands was exceedingly popular during its time, as will be shown through an analysis of previously unpublished impression and sales records from the Longman's publishing archive at Reading University. Furthermore, this article will reveal Wood's use of advanced methods in printing and engraving technologies, which made Homes without hands more accessible to the public, particularly through the use of electrotype. In addition, Wood adapted his illustrations for the sake of uniting pleasing aesthetics with scientific representations. Wood's proactive involvement in the illustrative processes of the book ensured that his vision was fully enacted in the final designs. There were elements of danger and domesticity present throughout Wood's work, which functioned as a method for enticing readership and communicating social and religious messages. This will be revealed through a close analysis of a few specific illustrations. Wood dynamically united illustration and text to create a useful domestic piece of natural history, for and about the home. This article seeks to combine methods of examination of both natural history illustration and literature through the investigation of a single book, to better communicate how works of Victorian natural history functioned as a whole.

UPAYA KONSERVASI EKOSISTEM MANGROVE BERBASIS KEMANDIRIAN MASYARAKAT DI WILAYAH PESISIR BATAM

Mangrove ecosystem in the coastal of Batam island has severe pressure due to the pace of development, they are activities of mangrove land conversion for development purposes such as shipyard industrial area, residential area, commercial area, tourism area, fish farming, illegal logging of mangrove wood for conventional charcoal industry for carbon, illegal logging of mangrove wood for use as scaffolds in physical development and even illegal logging mangrove wood flagpole for the benefit of political parties. The activities of the above has made the declining quality and quantity of mangrove ecosystems along the coast of Batam. this prompted the city government to do the restoration of mangrove ecosystem efforts. But recovery efforts are already underway to date have not shown significant results. There is no statistical data in the form of increase in mangrove area in Batam. According to our evaluation for mangrove ecosystem restoration program that has been done by the government, it can be concluded that one failure is not an active community participation. To achieve the success of recovery efforts in the area of coastal mangrove ecosystems among coastal area in Batam Island, the government should involve people's active participation as stakeholders in all stages of the mangrove ecosystem restoration program. Pattern recovery program topdown approach that had been done must be change to the peoples active participation.

Controlled Breaking of Mummified Wood For Use In Paleoenvironmental Analysis

Abstract The discovery of exceptionally well-preserved Paleogene wood fossils (ca. 55–53 Ma) within Canadian Arctic diamond-bearing kimberlites prompted a paleoclimatic study of the Paleocene-Eocene Transition. The samples are not petrified, but have been “mummified” by their inclusion in pyroclastic debris and still contain primordial wood material. However, preferential cellulose loss has rendered the wood very fragile, precluding the use of standard dendrochronological methods of surface preparation. Similar to archaeological charcoal, breaking the mummified wood allows superior visualization of tree-ring boundaries and wood anatomy, but often produces irregular surfaces making microscopic examination difficult. Therefore, a simple aluminum clamp was constructed to break radial wood transects in a controlled manner for the purpose of collecting dendrochronological and wood-anatomical data for paleoclimatic reconstructions. Because it does not require the use of chemical treatments or stabilizing resins...

Binder-less activated carbon electrode from gelam wood for use in supercapacitors

This work focused on the relation between the porous structure of activated carbon and its capacitive properties. Three types of activated carbon monoliths were used as the electrodes in a half cell electrochemical system. One monolith was produced from activated carbon and considered to be a binder-less electrode. Two others were produced from acid and high pressure steam oxidized activated carbon. The micrographs clearly indicate that three electrodes have different porous structures. Both porosity and surface area of carbons increased due to the formation of grains during oxidation. This fact specified that an acid oxidized carbon monolith will have relatively higher capacitance compared to non-oxidized and steam oxidized monoliths. Maximum capacitance values for acid, steam oxidized and non-oxidized electrodes were 27.68, 2.23 and 1.20 F g -1 , respectively.

Effect of Wood Surface Treatment on Fungal Decay and Termite Resistance

Surface treatments, such as immersion, brushing, spraying, dipping, and steeping have been extensively used to treat wood for use in low hazard class areas or as an on-site remedial/supplemental treatment of in-service wooden structures to extend their service life. In the present study the wood was subjected to steeping with three preservative formulations, i.e., copper azole type C (CA-C), alkaline copper quat type C (ACQ-C), and tebuconazole-propiconazole combo (TP), and the effect of surface treatment on fungal decay and termite resistance was evaluated. The results showed that the depth of chemical penetration into the wood and the surface absorption primarily depends on the permeability of the wood species. The efficacy of decay and termite resistance was determined by surface retention per unit area of the surface-treated wood. The surface treatment with CA-C, ACQ-C, and TP significantly enhanced the decay and termite resistances of the wood. But for low-permeability wood species such as Picea asperata, a higher concentration of preservatives or periodic re-surface-treatment is necessary to maintain resistance to decay and to termites.

Binder-less activated carbon electrode from gelam wood for use in supercapacitors

This work focused on the relation between the porous structure of activated carbon and its capacitive properties. Three types of activated carbon monoliths were used as the electrodes in a half cell electrochemical system. One monolith was produced from activated carbon and considered to be a binder-less electrode. Two others were produced from acid and high pressure steam oxidized activated carbon. The micrographs clearly indicate that three electrodes have different porous structures. Both porosity and surface area of carbons increased due to the formation of grains during oxidation. This fact specified that an acid oxidized carbon monolith will have relatively higher capacitance compared to non-oxidized and steam oxidized monoliths. Maximum capacitance values for acid, steam oxidized and non-oxidized electrodes were 27.68, 2.23 and 1.20 F g -1 , respectively.

Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Characteristics Adjustment Method of Recycled Powder-Type Magnetic Wood for Use as a Building Material

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the electromagnetic wave absorption characteristics of powder-type magnetic wood by changing the mixing ratios for the Mn-Zn ferrite and Ni-Zn ferrite powder. The results show that the matching frequency of the electromagnetic wave absorption characteristics can be controlled by changing the mixing ratios of the magnetic materials and the thickness of the board. We obtained electromagnetic wave absorption of close to 20 dB over the 2.5 GHz-6.2 GHz frequency range. The powder-type magnetic wood boards used in these experiments satisfy JIS standards for wood surface materials in terms of bending strength and deflection. The results from our studies can be used to design indoor powder-type magnetic wood wave absorbers for a specified absorption frequency.

Impact of the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, on gross calorific value and chemical composition of Pinus pinaster woody biomass

The pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the causal agent of the pine wilt disease, has been detected in several regions of Portugal affecting Pinus pinaster, a coniferous species of a great economic value. The nematodes, migrating through resin canals and feeding on parenchyma cells, induce rapid metabolic changes in ray parenchyma cells, cavitation areas, and denaturation and necrosis of parenchyma and cambial cells. To understand how anatomic changes and biochemical incidences of tree defense reactions affect the technological parameters of the wood, the gross calorific value (GCV) and chemical composition of PWN-infected and -uninfected P. pinaster wood were evaluated. The GCV was determined using Parr 6300 Automatic Isoperibol Calorimeter, and chemical composition analysis was performed by determining the contents of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur and Ash on complete and instant oxidation of samples by “flash” combustion. The Student’s t test with Welch correction was used for statistical data analysis. The difference between the GCV and chemical composition for PWN-infected and -uninfected P. pinaster wood was statistically significant for the GCV and for hydrogen and nitrogen contents. The carbon, oxygen, sulfur and Ash contents did not differ statistically. The GCV of PWN-infected wood varied between the highest value of hardwood and the lowest value of softwood. This interdisciplinary study stresses the important technological and economic aspects, namely the impact of PWN on wood properties and the suitability of infected P. pinaster wood for use in the wood-processing and energy industries.

Effect of particle size on the characterization of binderless particleboard made from Rhizophora spp. mangrove wood for use as phantom material

Experimental binderless particleboards were made from various sizes of Rhizophora spp. particles. The experimental samples were made by cold pressing the particles to a target density of 1 gm/cm3. The internal bond strength and dimensional stability of the disks were evaluated based on Japanese standards. The experimental results showed that the internal bond strength and dimensional stability of the samples were enhanced as the particle size decreased. The microstructure of samples was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA). An X-ray diffraction (XRD) procedure was used to study the crystalline structure of binderless particleboard samples.

Aromatic potential of Castanea sativa Mill. compared to Quercus species to be used in cooperage

The composition of volatile and semi-volatile compounds of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) was studied and compared to oak wood species frequently used in cooperage (Quercus alba, Quercus petraea, Quercus robur and Quercus pyrenaica) to evaluate its aromatic potential. Chestnut was found to be a suitable wood for use in ageing processes, based on the large, diverse number of detected compounds (e.g., lactones, furanic compounds, terpenes, lignin derivatives and triterpenic compounds). Chestnut wood possessed high levels of volatile phenols and phenolic aldehydes, specifically vanillin and its derivatives. Each wood species exhibited a characteristic, quantifiable composition of volatile compounds, and therefore, the sensorial profile of each wood species is expected to be different. The levels of certain volatile compounds were also useful for discriminating among the studied wood species.

Application of resistograph to obtain the density and to differentiate wood species

This project offers a methodology for the analysis of resistographic profiles obtained from samples of wood and the extraction of precise data from these profiles. Tests were conducted on healthy samples of wood from six different species, as well as on “old” wood in use as part of timber structures with an age of 80-120 years. Based on the data collected using the resistograph, a series of variables was determined, and statistically analysed. An analysis of the data reveals the close relation between the resistographic variables and wood density (R2> 90%). Equally, in the case of healthy wood, an analysis of the defined variables permits the identification of the species of the sample with a very high probability and, therefore, its indirect resistance values.