Wood Specimens Research Articles

Sustainable adhesives: Exploring boronic ester vitrimers containing lignin microparticles

The market of epoxy resin-based adhesives is constantly growing in the automotive, electronics, and healthcare industries thanks to their unique features such as high bonding strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. In this work, alternative sustainable vitrimer adhesives, containing from 20 to 50 wt% of lignin microparticles, were prepared from epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) and a boronic ester dithiol crosslinker (DBEDT), in the absence of solvents and catalysts. The addition of unmodified commercial Kraft lignin to the composites directly influences their thermal and mechanical properties and determines their bonding capacity between several adherent substrates, also affecting the rewelding potential. The lignin-vitrimer composites and the corresponding neat vitrimer matrix exhibited values of lap shear strengths in the range of 9 to 17 MPa, when tested as adhesives with aluminum, stainless steel, and wood specimens, and good to excellent rewelding capability. The amount of lignin microparticles influences the balance between cohesive and adhesive forces during the separation of the adhered aluminum surfaces and the eventual joint failure. In the case of the composites with 20 wt% of lignin, lap shear strength remains constant even after four cycles of rebonding via compression molding, indicating that the best rewelding performance is associated with previous cohesive failure when the adhesive remains on both aluminum sheets' surfaces. In addition, the adhesion was preserved for 83 % of the initial value after 24 h immersed in water. Importantly, biodegradability in both soil and seawater was enhanced by the presence of the lignin filler. In summary, the simple preparation strategy of bio-based vitrimer composites coming from two natural sources could pave the way to green alternatives for industrial applications, such as epoxy-based adhesives.

Implementing linear mixed effects models to enhance estimation of the dimensional stability of wood of Laurus nobilis L.

Aim of study: The properties of wood of laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) have not yet been adequately described. For example, information on variables related to dimensional stability during drying (shrinkage) is lacking, even though this is a key factor determining the suitability of the material for industrial uses with high added value. The aim of this study was to construct models for estimating shrinkage variables by using wood density as the predictor variable. Area of study: Seventeen laurel trees were felled in an inland area of Galicia (north-western Spain) in order to obtain the material for testing and modelling. Material and methods: The experimental tests were performed on 958 small standardised, defect-free wood specimens. Main results: The wood under study was moderately heavy and volumetrically unstable. Density varied only slightly, but volumetric shrinkage varied statistically significantly within and between trees. A linear mixed effects model was constructed to predict the variation in volumetric shrinkage from the oven-dry density, including the factors tree and height in the stem, with random slopes and intercepts. Research highlights: The model proved valid for all sampled individuals up to a height of two metres in the stem, thus enabling estimation of the volumetric shrinkage in commercial basal logs.

The utilization of wood samples from xylarium in historical wooden statues: improving the separation accuracy non-destructive measurement for using several algorithms

There are numerous wooden historical artifacts in Kyoto and other parts of Japan, including Buddhist statues or Shinto deities. The identification of wood species in these historical artifact is desirable for both repair and maintenance purposes. The most common method of identifying wood species involves examining samples taken from the artifacts. However, intentional sampling from old cultural artifacts is prohibited in Japan. As a result, we attempted to determine the wood species of old statues non-destructively using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). In this article, we developed the softwood and hardwood separation model using NIRS to compare the prediction accuracy for few algorithms. The model was created based on wood samples stored in the xylarium of the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (TWTw). We then applied this model to old Buddhist statues in order to classify them as either softwood or hardwood. These Buddhist statues were housed in Nazenji temple and are believed to have been carved during the Heian period (8th–12th century). For the near-infrared (NIR) measurements, we collected diffuse reflectance spectra from TWTw sample and Buddhist statues using same spectrometer. Initially, we used the soft independent modeling of class analogy method (SIMCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS_DA), and support vector machine to analyze the NIR spectra obtained from the TWTw wood samples. Subsequently, we applied the NIR spectra obtained from several Buddhist statues in Nazenji temple to the aforementioned separation model and determined whether spectra data were classified as the softwood or hardwood. Finally, wood specimens detached naturally from the Buddhist statues over time were observed under microscopic analysis to identify the wood species. As comparing the prediction accuracy of few algorithms, SIMCA had a poor result, but PLS_DA had a good result. PLS_DA had better discrimination because it performed calculations to improve regression from both explanatory variables and objective variables.

Decay and Termite Resistance of Wood Modified by High-Temperature Vapour-Phase Acetylation (HTVPA), a Simultaneous Acetylation and Heat Treatment Modification Process.

High-temperature vapour-phase acetylation (HTVPA) is a simultaneous acetylation and heat treatment process for wood modification. This study was the first investigation into the impact of HTVPA treatment on the resistance of wood to biological degradation. In the termite resistance test, untreated wood exhibited a mass loss (MLt) of 20.3%, while HTVPA-modified wood showed a reduced MLt of 6.6-3.2%, which decreased with an increase in weight percent gain (WPG), and the termite mortality reached 95-100%. Furthermore, after a 12-week decay resistance test against brown-rot fungi (Laetiporus sulfureus and Fomitopsis pinicola), untreated wood exhibited mass loss (MLd) values of 39.6% and 54.5%, respectively, while HTVPA-modified wood exhibited MLd values of 0.2-0.9% and -0.2-0.3%, respectively, with no significant influence from WPG. Similar results were observed in decay resistance tests against white-rot fungi (Lenzites betulina and Trametes versicolor). The results of this study demonstrated that HTVPA treatment not only effectively enhanced the decay resistance of wood but also offered superior enhancement relative to separate heat treatment or acetylation processes. In addition, all the HTVPA-modified wood specimens prepared in this study met the requirements of the CNS 6717 wood preservative standard, with an MLd of less than 3% for decay-resistant materials.

Moisture and Temperature Profiles of Heartwood Pinus pinaster Ait. Wood Specimens during Microwave Drying

Microwave (MW) drying of wood has gained popularity in the field of wood modification. The rise in temperature during MW drying leads to increased steam pressure, enhancing wood permeability but potentially decreasing mechanical properties. Understanding temperature and moisture behaviors during MW drying is crucial for its industrial application in wood drying. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the temperature and moisture behaviors during MW drying of small Portuguese maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Aiton.) wood samples to support a wider use of this technology. The effects on water uptake and the compressive strength parallel to the grain were also investigated. The results indicated three distinct phases in the MW drying rates, with an average of 0.085% of water removed per second. Moreover, the temperature underwent three distinct stages: an initial rapid increase, a period of constant temperature, and a slight decrease until drying was complete. At the beginning of MW drying, the temperatures were below 100 °C, with average temperatures ranging from 126 to 145 °C. Specimens with lower initial moisture content had higher temperatures, and a positive correlation was found between initial moisture content and drying time. In contrast, negative correlations were found between the initial moisture content and average temperature, as well as average temperature and MW drying time. Additionally, the operating condition parameters used in MW drying of pine samples enhanced water impregnability by 65%, generating a slight reduction of 11% in compressive strength. It was also noticed that the initial moisture content did not impact MW-dried samples’ water uptake or compressive strength. Finally, although small clear wood samples of maritime pine were utilized, the temperature and moisture patterns observed closely matched real-scale specimens. Thus, the findings corroborate a wide utilization of MW technology for wood drying, mainly demonstrating positive possibilities for structural-sized wood specimens.

Effect of slope of grain on mechanical properties of some tropical wood species

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to study the relationship between the mechanical properties of Cameroonian tropical woods and the slope of grain. The forests of the Cameroonian part of the Congo Basin abound in species that are highly solicited for structural applications. However, little information is available on the influence of the slope of a grain of these wood species. Clear wood specimens of ayous (Triplochiton scleroxylon), azobe (Lophira alata), fraké (Terminalia superbe), okan (Cylicodiscus gabunensis), padouk (Pterocarpus soyauxii), and sapelli (Entandrophragma cylindricum) were prepared. The specimens have a cross section of 20 × 30 mm and a length of 300 mm. These specimens were subjected to a four-point bending test and a double cantilever beam test. Modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), work at maximum load (WML) and fracture toughness (GIC) were determined. These mechanical properties were calculated for specimens with slopes of grain 0°,15°, 30°,45°,60°, 75° and 90°. The results showed that the slope of grain had significant effects on all the mechanical properties measured on clear wood specimens. MOE, MOR, WML, and GIC decreased with increasing grain slope. On the other hand, azobe and okan absorb much more of the energy that causes microcracking than the other species.

Distinguishing between Tectona grandis and acacia auriculiformis woods

The demand for Teak (Tectona grandis Linn F.) wood in India is high due to its durability and aesthetic value, and the country is highly dependent on imports to fulfil the demand. Thus, people try to trade Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn wood commonly known as auri or acacia in place of teak wood as they have similar appearance. To address this issue, a simple and effective method was developed using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis and UV–visible spectroscopy to distinguish between teak and auri timber and their finished products. For the study, we collected wood specimens from the Wood Properties and Processing division of IWST and conducted TLC analysis and UV–visible spectroscopy to distinguish the wood of both species. The identification of distinct peaks in UV–visible and separate spots with different retention factors (RF) in TLC provide a reliable means of differentiation. This study aims to present a solution to the problem of distinguishing between teak and auri, woods particularly in finished products, and the findings of the study may be useful for enhancing the customer satisfaction who are paying of teak and getting auri wood. Thus, also preventing the unethical trade of A. auriculiformis as T. grandis wood.

Analysis of the treatability, water repellency efficiency, and dimensional stability of maritime pine after microwave drying

The impregnability of Portuguese maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) subjected to microwave (MW) drying was tested, and the hydrophobicity, anti-swelling efficiency (ASE), and water repellence efficiency (WRE) were evaluated. Small wood heartwood samples of Portuguese maritime pine and two distinct MW treatment settings were employed. The levels of ASE and WRE of the wood elements were evaluated throughout four cycles of drying in an oven and soaking in water. Because of MW applied energy, the wood pine samples were satisfactorily impregnated with the preservative product. Regarding the absolutely dry densities of the samples, very subtle reductions were measured, and they were statistically equivalent to the average density of the non-MW-treated group. Slight improvements were identified in the WRE values of wood samples dried in the microwave. In terms of ASE, both MW-treated groups had a statistically significant increase. The MW treatment decreased the volumetric swelling of the maritime pine wood specimens. Hence, this study raises new insights and previously unexplored paths that can contribute to the expansion and greater application of MW technology in maritime pine and other species.

The Effect of Wet and Dry Cycles on the Strength and the Surface Characteristics of Coromandel Lacquer Coatings

Research on the degradation mechanism of coating materials is crucial for the preservation of cultural heritage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of Coromandel coatings on wooden substrates by analyzing their dimensions, weight, adhesion strength, hydrophobicity, and glossiness. The results indicate that after five cycles, the radial moisture expansion rate of the wood specimen is 0.332%, while that of the lacquer specimen is 0.079%, representing 23.8% of the radial moisture expansion rate of untreated wood specimens. This performance is superior to that of the ash and pigment specimens. Across different experimental conditions, the change in the mass of the Coromandel specimens aligns with the trend in their dimensional changes, indicating that moisture absorption and desorption are the primary reasons for dimensional changes. The influence of temperature on mass and dimensional stability is significant only in terms of dry shrinkage rate. After wet and dry cycles at 40 °C, the adhesion strength of the Coromandel specimens decreases the most, with the ash specimens decreasing by 7.2%, the lacquer specimens by 3.2%, and the pigment specimens by 4.5%. Following wet and dry cycles at three different temperatures, the contact angle of the lacquer layers changes by less than 5%, with their contact angle values exceeding 120°. These data indicate that among the Coromandel coatings, the lacquer layer provides the best protection for the wooden substrate, while the ash coating is the most fragile. The degradation rate of the Coromandel specimens increases with rising temperatures. These findings emphasize the critical roles of humidity and temperature in protecting wooden coatings and aim to provide theoretical insights and practical significance for the preservation of wooden artifacts and the assessment of coating performance.

Compressive Strength parallel to grains of Charred Paulownia Wood

Wood is a common flammable in the building fire and the dominant fuel in the wildland fire. In this study, the surface of wood specimens has been pre-heated by various radiative heat fluxes and heating times to achieve varying char layer thicknesses. The compressive strength parallel to grains versus various charring thicknesses has been obtained by an electronic universal testing machine (WDW-20). Experimental results demonstrate that a higher heat flux and longer heating times promote the formation of the char layer, but the compressive strength versus the charring thickness first decreases to its minimum value and subsequently remains stable. For the 7 kW/m2 case, there is a rapid decrease in compressive strength for the 5-7 heating period. For example, the compressive strength is 31.7 MPa after the initial 5-minute period, and 3.69 MPa after the initial 7-minute period. For the radiative heat fluxes from 7 kW/m2 to 10 kW/m2, the reduction rate of compressive strength will increase from 1.32 MPa/min to 3.75 MPa/min for the initial 5-minute period, and increase from 4.95 MPa/min to 5.34 MPa/min for the initial 7-minute heating period. This study helps us understand the influence of charring processes on the mechanical properties of wood and the failure of timber structures.

Comparative Studies on Tensile Mechanical Properties of Water-Saturated Earlywood and Latewood within the Same Growth Ring from Masson Pine

The tensile mechanical behavior of water-saturated earlywood (EW) and latewood (LW) within the same growth ring of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) was investigated in the hydrothermal environment and discussed with respect to the density and microfibril angle (MFA) of the wood specimens. The tensile modulus, tensile strength, and strain at failure of EW and LW in the longitudinal (L) and tangential (T) directions were determined at different temperature levels ranging from 30 °C to 80 °C. Major differences in the tensile mechanical properties were found between EW and LW in the L and T directions. Compared to LW, EW showed a smaller density and a larger MFA, resulting in a lower tensile modulus, lower tensile strength, and higher strain at failure. Compared to the L specimens, the T specimens showed lower tensile modulus, lower tensile strength, and higher strain at failure. As the hygrothermal temperature increased, the MFAs, tensile modulus, and tensile strength of EW and LW specimens decreased, except for the MFAs of LW, while the strain at failure of the specimens showed the opposite trend. Variations in the tensile mechanical behavior between EW and LW were mainly influenced by the density and MFA of the specimens, and are closely associated with the hydrothermal softening properties of wood. These findings contribute to a further understanding of the structural–mechanical relationships of Masson pine wood at the cell wall level, and provide a scientific basis for the better utilization of plantation softwood in the hydrothermal environment.

Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties of Wood after Thermal Modification in Closed Process under Pressure in Nitrogen.

In this study, silver birch (Betula pendula) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) wood planks (1000 × 100 × 25 mm) were thermally modified in pilot-scale equipment. Research extended our knowledge of the thermal modification (TM) process in a closed system under nitrogen pressure, as well as how process parameters affect the chemical composition and mechanical strength of wood. Various TM regimes were selected-maximum temperature (150-180 °C), modification time (30-180 min), and initial nitrogen pressure (3-6 bar). Chemical analyses were performed to assess the amount of extractives, lignin, polysaccharides and acetyl group content following the TM process. The mechanical properties of TM wood were characterized using the modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and Brinell hardness. The MOR of both studied wood species following TM in nitrogen was reduced, but MOE changes were insignificant. The Brinell hardness of TM birch wood's tangential surface was much higher than that of the radial surface, although Scots pine wood showed the opposite pattern. TM birch and pine wood specimens with the highest mass loss, acetone soluble extractive amount, and the lowest xylan and acetyl group content had the lowest MOR and Brinell hardness.

Hydrophobic Modification of Bi2O3-Doped Si-Ti Composite Film on a Wood Surface

In order to improve the hydrophobicity of the composite film on the wood surface, the wettability of the wood surface and its morphology, chemical structure, roughness and free energy changes were investigated in this paper after modification treatments with different volume fractions of octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). It can be found that the water contact angle and surface roughness of the hydrophobically modified wood increased with the increase in volume fraction, but the overall effect of OTS hydrophobic modification was better than that of PDMS, and a maximum water contact angle of up to 140.8° could be obtained at a volume fraction of 2% of OTS. In addition, the intensity of the stretching vibration peak of -OH was weakened after the modification, while the intensity of the stretching vibration peak of -CH2- was enhanced, resulting in an increase in hydrophobicity. At the same time, it can be found that the surface free energy of the modified wood specimens was reduced, which shows that OTS and PDMS improve the surface hydrophobicity of the wood by increasing the surface roughness and decreasing the surface free energy together. Finally, the hydrophobically modified Bi2O3-doped silica–titanium composite film still possessed high photocatalytic degradation activity for rhodamine B and gas formaldehyde, and the degradation rate could reach more than 90%.

Natural ageing of one-component polyurethane bonded preservative treated wood evaluated using fracture energy tests

At present, increasing emphasis is being placed on the use of sustainable materials such as wood for construction. In exterior environments, preservative treatments are regularly required to achieve adequate durability. In laminated timber elements that use such preservative treatments, limited technical information exists on the ageing resistance of one-component polyurethane (1C-PUR) adhesives. A natural ageing study which involved full exposure for twelve months was undertaken to assess the durability of two different 1C-PUR adhesives for the bonding of untreated, chromated copper arsenate (CCA) and micronized copper azole (MCA) preservative treated wood. Resorcinol formaldehyde (RF) bonded specimens and solid wood specimens were used as a control. Reduced delamination resistance was experienced by both 1C-PUR adhesives in comparison to RF bonded specimens. Readings were higher for all adhesives when bonding CCA preservative treated wood. Latewood delamination was noticeability highest because of its higher density and the increased swelling that it experiences. The MCA bonded specimens experienced minor delamination. Mode I fracture testing demonstrated that because of the ductile nature of the 1C-PUR adhesives, higher energy release rates could be achieved with aged bonded specimens in comparison to unaged solid wood specimens. Mean wood failure percentage readings exceeded 90% for all intervals of ageing. Scanning electron microscopy revealed greater effective penetrations in the earlywood in comparison to the latewood. The 1C-PUR with lower viscosity achieved higher effective penetration and improved delamination resistance. Because of differences between the two 1C-PUR adhesives, no clear evidence existed to state the preservatives reduced the effective penetration.

Degradation of Mechanical Performance of Hoop Head Tenon-Mortise Joint of Tusi Manor with Decay Disease in Tibetan Areas in Yunnan

(1) The Hoop Head Tenon-mortise Joint (HHTMJ) in the Tusi Manor in Tibetan areas in Yunnan, China, has a serious decay phenomenon. To understand the effect of decay on the seismic performance of HHTMJ, (2) the five groups of HHTMJ and small-size Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis wood mechanical property testing specimens were placed in an artificially set decay environment and cultivated together with wood decay fungi for 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks, respectively. Low-cycle repeated loading tests were conducted to compare the failure mode, hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, and cumulative energy consumption of the HHTMJ under different decay cycles. (3) The results indicate that the failure mode of the HHTMJ is fractured at the tenon shoulder, and the deformation and failure of the tenon increase with the increase in decay. Compared with the non-decayed specimens, the ultimate bearing performance of the specimens after 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks of decay decreased by 8.83%, 16.97%, 19.69%, and 30.22%, respectively. The cumulative energy consumption decreased by 21.6%, 27.4%, 33.2%, and 41.3%, respectively. (4) Decay primarily occurs on the exterior of the tenon, with minimal decay on the interior. The degradation of seismic performance in HHTMJ is relatively close to the degradation observed in small-size wood specimens during mechanical property testing.

Exceptionally preserved subfossil woods from late Pleistocene volcanic deposits from the Northern Andes of Colombia

The recent geological history of the Northern Andes is characterized by the interaction of dynamic surface processes such as volcanic activity, fluvial erosion, mass movements, etc. that have shaped landscapes for millennia. Despite its great geological and biological importance, the long-term ecological history of middle-elevation tropical habitats (between 1000 and 2500 m.a.s.l.) is unknown, due to the scarcity of suitable paleo archives preserving the paleoecological signal, leading to a critical data gap. This manuscript reports well-preserved subfossil woods of the Pleistocene volcanoclastic deposits from the Central Cordillera of Colombia. Four wood specimens are described and identified as Terminalioxylon gumminae sp.nov., Andesanthus risaraldense sp.nov., Anacardium quindiuense sp.nov., and Chrysochlamys colombiana. This report demonstrates the potential of volcanic deposits in the Northern Andes as paleo archives, and contributes to the fossil record of the tropical Andes, as it contains elements of mid-altitude vegetation preserved in association with the Pleistocene volcanic activity of the Central Cordillera. The environments where these subfossil species lived resemble present environmental conditions. This is a baseline for future paleobotanical exploration and paleoenvironmental analyses.

New record of conifer wood Agathoxylon from the Upper Jurassic in the Sichuan Basin, southern China, and its palaeobiodiversity and palaeoclimatic significance

ABSTRACT Although abundant and diverse foliage fossils are well recorded in the Upper Triassic and Lower–Middle Jurassic of the Sichuan Basin in South China, the Upper Jurassic plant fossils are rarely documented due to extensively developed red beds in this basin. Decades ago, abundant fossil wood specimens were discovered from the Upper Jurassic Penglaizhen Formation in the Sichuan Basin. However, detailed investigations on the systematic palaeobotany of these wood fossils are very limited, which hinders further understanding of the terrestrial ecosystem and biota. Here, we describe anatomically well-preserved fossil wood specimens from the Penglaizhen Formation at Wangjiagou Village of Shehong City in the central Sichuan Province. These wood fossils exhibit Agathoxylon anatomy with usually uniseriate contiguous radial tracheid pitting and araucarioid cross-field pitting, representing a new record of Agathoxylon in the Sichuan Basin, and contribute to further understanding of the vegetation composition of the southern phytoprovince in China during the Late Jurassic. Independent palaeoclimatic evidence from leaf, pollen and sediments indicates that the Agathoxylon trees from Shehong area have grown under generally hot and semi-arid or arid environmental conditions, probably in habitats at the banks of rivers and lakes with locally abundant water supply, as indicated by the indistinct growth rings.

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) in Compression Perpendicular to the Plane: Experimental Analysis on the Column below the Wall Load Configuration

This study investigates the load-bearing properties of cross-laminated timber (CLT) under compression perpendicular to the grain. Different series of CLT panels with varying layups, layer thicknesses, and overall depths were tested. Also, the compression perpendicular to the grain properties of CLT plate specimens is compared against clear wood and cubic CLT specimens. The results show a 30% reduction in modulus perpendicular to the grain for cubic samples compared to clear specimens. Increasing the number of layers from three to five leads to a 21% higher modulus, while increasing the overall depth from 105 to 175 mm results (with the same number of layers) in a 17% reduction. The overall depth significantly affects the CLT’s modulus and strength under compression perpendicular to the grain. The study also compares two analytical models for determining the transversal compression factor, kc,90. Although the models showed satisfactory results for thinner CLTs, their accuracy decreased with greater panel depth. These findings enhance the understanding of CLT panels for structural applications.

Effects of sepiolite addition to acrylic-latex paint on pull-off adhesion strength in nanosilver-impregnated and thermally-modified beech (Fagus orientalis L.) wood

Sepiolite is a silicate mineral that improves the fire properties in solid wood when mixed with a water-based coating. The present study was carried out to investigate and evaluate the effects of sepiolite addition to acrylic-latex paint on the pull-off adhesion strength, as an important characteristic of paints and finishes used in the modern furniture industry and historical furniture as well for preservation and restoration of heritage objects. Sepiolite was added at the rate of 10%, and brushed onto plain-sawn beech (Fagus orientalis L.) wood specimens, unimpregnated and impregnated with a 400 ppm silver nano-suspension, which were further thermally modified at 185 °C for 4 h. The results showed that thermal modification had a decreasing effect on the pull-off adhesion strength, primarily as a result of the thermal degradation of cell-wall polymers (mostly hemicelluloses). Still, a decreased wettability as a result of condensation and plasticization of lignin was also partially influential. Based on the obtained results,thermal modification was found to have a significant influence on pull-off adhesion strength. Sepiolite addition had a decreasing effectin all treatments, though the effect was not statistically significant in all treatments. The maximum and minimum decreases due to sepiolite addition were observed in the unimpregnated control (21%) and the thermally-modified NS-impregnated (4%) specimens. Other aspects of the sepiolite addition, and further studies that cover different types of paints and coatings, should be evaluated before coming to a final firm conclusion in this regard.

Lower wood stiffness in old-growth than in post-cut and post-fire stands indicates forest structure is a key driver of wood properties in black spruce

Forest fires and logging drive the structure of boreal forest landscapes. According to recent studies, stand origin is a key driver of the variation in wood properties in black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP.), although the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. By comparing post-cut, post-fire and old-growth forests, this study aimed to better distinguish the effects of stand structure from those of the seed or layer origin of the trees on wood properties. We conducted comparative analyses based on ecological characteristics of the sites and static bending tests of small, defect-free wood specimens. Black spruce stands with a regular structure established after logging or fire exhibited higher stiffness at a given cambial age than old-growth forests with irregular structures, as well as lower wood density in the first 40 rings near the pith. However, the bending strength was comparable in all three types of forests studied. Differences in wood stiffness among stand types appeared to be driven more by stand structure than by the seed or layer origin of the stems.