(13)C nuclear magnetic resonance and mid-infrared spectroscopies were used for characterizing cha... more (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance and mid-infrared spectroscopies were used for characterizing changes in the chemical structure of wood polymers (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) in relation to the tree growth location. Samples of three provenances in Europe (Finland, Poland and Italy) were selected for studies. The requirement was to use untreated solid wood samples to minimize any manipulation to the nanostructure of native wood. The results confirm that the chemical and physical properties of samples belonging to the same wood species (Picea abies Karst.) differ due to the origin. Both FT-IR and dynamic NMR spectroscopies were able to correctly discriminate samples originating from three different provenances in Europe. Such methods might be very useful for both, research and understanding of wood microstructure and its variability due to the growth conditions.
Densification is a common process applied to wood in order to improve specific properties such as... more Densification is a common process applied to wood in order to improve specific properties such as dimensional stability, hardness and other mechanical properties. During densification, pressure and temperature are applied leading to chemical and physical changes. Degradation of some chemical components, deformation of cell wall, dislocation of molecules inside the tissues, colour change also take place. The quality and quantity of such changes depend on pressure, wood species, moisture content, temperature, time of treatment, among others. The goal of this work was to employ NMR spectroscopy for non-destructive and deep characterization of changes of wood due to densification process. Beech (Fagus silvatica), ash (Fraxinus excelsior L. ) and poplar (Populus tremula L.) were selected as representative wood species for investigation. The densification was performed in a hydraulic press equipped with hot plates. The densification cycle was composed of pre-heating (plasticization), dens...
This work presents a methodological approach to the study of ancient wooden ar tefacts using FT-I... more This work presents a methodological approach to the study of ancient wooden ar tefacts using FT-IR techniques. Sampling is one of the most important steps during investigation of works of art. However, samples should be taken only when this operation does not appreciably modify any part, or change the integrity of the wooden artefact in question. Although it was invasive, a low-destructive method of sampling was used on wood meal in order to obtain reproducible results. Moreover, two modes of operation were compared, namely the transmission mode (carried out on pellets of wood meal mixed with KBr) and the Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) mode (carried out directly on wood meal). For the former, the effect of the concentration of wood in KBr was also considered. The results show a similar quality of spectra, although a different sensitivity between the two techniques in some spectral ranges was observed. The final focus of this research will be on validating the use of IR spectra to date wooden materials.
(13)C nuclear magnetic resonance and mid-infrared spectroscopies were used for characterizing cha... more (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance and mid-infrared spectroscopies were used for characterizing changes in the chemical structure of wood polymers (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) in relation to the tree growth location. Samples of three provenances in Europe (Finland, Poland and Italy) were selected for studies. The requirement was to use untreated solid wood samples to minimize any manipulation to the nanostructure of native wood. The results confirm that the chemical and physical properties of samples belonging to the same wood species (Picea abies Karst.) differ due to the origin. Both FT-IR and dynamic NMR spectroscopies were able to correctly discriminate samples originating from three different provenances in Europe. Such methods might be very useful for both, research and understanding of wood microstructure and its variability due to the growth conditions.
ABSTRACT A special software simulating changes to wood due to various processes (either treatment... more ABSTRACT A special software simulating changes to wood due to various processes (either treatment or degradation) has been developed within the SWORFISH (Superb Wood Surface Finishing) project. The definition of the material modifications due to processes is based on the expert knowledge and/or experimental data. The dedicated algorithm simulates material modifications (with a special focus on surface) taking into account original material characteristics (evaluated by means of NDT techniques) and setting of process parameters. In this way, it is possible to analyze the sequence of processes (i.e. material modifications) and to estimate properties of the resulting product. Two case studies are presented for illustration of the potential uses of the SWORFISH approach in the field of timber structures.
... MP; Leblanc, RM Langmuir 2000, 16, 2882. ... Threading, Growth, and Aggregation of Pseudopoly... more ... MP; Leblanc, RM Langmuir 2000, 16, 2882. ... Threading, Growth, and Aggregation of Pseudopolyrotaxanes. Pierandrea Lo Nostro, Luca Giustini, Emiliano Fratini, Barry W. Ninham, Francesca Ridi, and Piero Baglioni. The Journal of Physical Chemistry B 2008 112 (4), 1071-...
International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives, 2011
Wettability of 6 different wood species commonly used in the woodworking industry in the Mediterr... more Wettability of 6 different wood species commonly used in the woodworking industry in the Mediterranean region was evaluated in this study. The species were Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.), umbrella pine (Pinus pinea L.), oak (Quercus sp.p.), chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and poplar (Populus sp.p.), and their surfaces were machined according to 3 different processes: planing, sanding and disc-sawing. Measurement of dynamic contact angle and extractives (evaluated by means of GC-MS analysis) were carried out on freshly cut and 24 h air exposed surfaces, in order to also evaluate the effect of ageing on wettability. The parameterisation of the contact angle vs. time curves allowed for the systematic statistical elaboration of data, in order to find the relationships existing between the four parameters characterising the dynamic curves and the considered factors (species, machining, ageing). The evaluations evidenced a different influence of these factors on the chosen parameters and hence some of them could be used to reliably assess both wood wettability and the effects of the factors here considered. In general softwoods showed higher contact angles than hardwoods due to the different anatomy and to the presence of resins and terpenes in addition to fatty acids and phenolic compounds, also present in hardwoods. After 24 h air exposure a shifting upwards of dynamic contact angle curves was observed but, despite the variation in surface composition, this shifting was imputable to other inactivation factors. Also machining appreciably influenced wettability, and the sanded surfaces were the most wettable as compared to both the planed and the disc-sawn ones. On the other hand, these observed differences diminished after ageing due to the levelling effect of inactivation that overcame surface inhomogeneities.
ABSTRACT Adhesives industry is increasingly interested in products coming from natural and renewa... more ABSTRACT Adhesives industry is increasingly interested in products coming from natural and renewable resources, because of the limited reserve of oil, its prices variability and its negative impact on both environment and human health. However, soy crops are mainly concentrated in the Americas, and are not so widespread in Europe. Thus, it is interesting to evaluate if other vegetable proteins more common in Europe are compatible for their use as wood adhesives. In this study, zein, a protein component of maize (Zea mays L.), the pea (Pisum sativum L.) protein, and two products based on soy (Glycine max L.) proteins, one treated with alkali and the other not, were compared in order to verify their utilisation as wood adhesives for indoor applications.Dissolution tests in both water and ethanol/water mixture at different pH values, and FT-IR analysis in the same conditions were carried out. Also the effect of the addition of denaturing agents such us urea and guanidine hydrochloride was evaluated. Solubility results showed that, as expected, water soluble fraction of these proteins increased significantly by increasing pH: both the 2 soy proteins and the pea protein evidenced soluble fraction higher than 80% at pH 10, while for zein, this parameter was always lower than 30%.Moreover, water seemed to be a better solvent than the ethanol/water mixture. In fact, in one case a solubility decrease was observed when ethanol was added to water.Standard bonding tests on wood-to-wood joints were carried out according to EN 205, both in dry and in wet conditions, this latter after 4 days of immersion in water. Shear strength values were above the minimum threshold limit of 10 MPa required by the standard for both the 2 soy and the pea proteins. In contrast, all proteins were not suitable for wet conditions.Pea protein seemed to be a valid alternative to soy proteins, which is realistic considering that the amino acid profiles of pea and soy proteins are similar. However, like for the soy protein, it is essential to improve the water resistance with an additive. In contrast, zein did not seem suitable as wood adhesive, because of its low solubility in all the considered conditions.
ABSTRACT L’état de conservation de certains échantillons de bois fossile de l’Ère Tertiaire, prov... more ABSTRACT L’état de conservation de certains échantillons de bois fossile de l’Ère Tertiaire, provenant de carottages de kimberlite dans la zone du Lac de Gras (région subarctique canadienne) et autrefois identifiés comme Sequioxylon canadense Blokhina, a été évalué chimiquement. Les causes possibles de leur dégradation ont aussi été discutées. La composition chimique des fossiles (mesurée avec les teneurs en holocellulose, en lignine et en minéraux) a été évaluée avec des méthodologies d’analyse gravimétrique et avec des analyses chromatographiques sur l’extrait au dichlorométhane. Des mesures de capacité d’échange cationique (CEC) ont été en outre conduites sur des fossiles. Les analyses ont montré la complète disparition de la teneur en holocellulose (sauf pour 2 échantillons sur 9), tandis que la lignine est devenue le composé le plus abondant, ainsi que la cendre (dont le montant atteint 47,5 % dans un cas). Les données de la CEC ont aussi mis en évidence que le carboxyles acides ont été transformés en carboxyles salifiés, qui représentent la forme restante de carboxyles la plus importante dans les fossiles (encore plus abondants que dans le bois de référence). Toutes ces circonstances indiquent que les fossiles sont très dégradés. Cette dégradation est une conséquence de l’écoulement pendant l’enfouissement, qui a causé l’hydrolyse des groupes estérifiés et la dépolymérisation de la lignine.
(13)C nuclear magnetic resonance and mid-infrared spectroscopies were used for characterizing cha... more (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance and mid-infrared spectroscopies were used for characterizing changes in the chemical structure of wood polymers (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) in relation to the tree growth location. Samples of three provenances in Europe (Finland, Poland and Italy) were selected for studies. The requirement was to use untreated solid wood samples to minimize any manipulation to the nanostructure of native wood. The results confirm that the chemical and physical properties of samples belonging to the same wood species (Picea abies Karst.) differ due to the origin. Both FT-IR and dynamic NMR spectroscopies were able to correctly discriminate samples originating from three different provenances in Europe. Such methods might be very useful for both, research and understanding of wood microstructure and its variability due to the growth conditions.
Densification is a common process applied to wood in order to improve specific properties such as... more Densification is a common process applied to wood in order to improve specific properties such as dimensional stability, hardness and other mechanical properties. During densification, pressure and temperature are applied leading to chemical and physical changes. Degradation of some chemical components, deformation of cell wall, dislocation of molecules inside the tissues, colour change also take place. The quality and quantity of such changes depend on pressure, wood species, moisture content, temperature, time of treatment, among others. The goal of this work was to employ NMR spectroscopy for non-destructive and deep characterization of changes of wood due to densification process. Beech (Fagus silvatica), ash (Fraxinus excelsior L. ) and poplar (Populus tremula L.) were selected as representative wood species for investigation. The densification was performed in a hydraulic press equipped with hot plates. The densification cycle was composed of pre-heating (plasticization), dens...
This work presents a methodological approach to the study of ancient wooden ar tefacts using FT-I... more This work presents a methodological approach to the study of ancient wooden ar tefacts using FT-IR techniques. Sampling is one of the most important steps during investigation of works of art. However, samples should be taken only when this operation does not appreciably modify any part, or change the integrity of the wooden artefact in question. Although it was invasive, a low-destructive method of sampling was used on wood meal in order to obtain reproducible results. Moreover, two modes of operation were compared, namely the transmission mode (carried out on pellets of wood meal mixed with KBr) and the Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) mode (carried out directly on wood meal). For the former, the effect of the concentration of wood in KBr was also considered. The results show a similar quality of spectra, although a different sensitivity between the two techniques in some spectral ranges was observed. The final focus of this research will be on validating the use of IR spectra to date wooden materials.
(13)C nuclear magnetic resonance and mid-infrared spectroscopies were used for characterizing cha... more (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance and mid-infrared spectroscopies were used for characterizing changes in the chemical structure of wood polymers (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) in relation to the tree growth location. Samples of three provenances in Europe (Finland, Poland and Italy) were selected for studies. The requirement was to use untreated solid wood samples to minimize any manipulation to the nanostructure of native wood. The results confirm that the chemical and physical properties of samples belonging to the same wood species (Picea abies Karst.) differ due to the origin. Both FT-IR and dynamic NMR spectroscopies were able to correctly discriminate samples originating from three different provenances in Europe. Such methods might be very useful for both, research and understanding of wood microstructure and its variability due to the growth conditions.
ABSTRACT A special software simulating changes to wood due to various processes (either treatment... more ABSTRACT A special software simulating changes to wood due to various processes (either treatment or degradation) has been developed within the SWORFISH (Superb Wood Surface Finishing) project. The definition of the material modifications due to processes is based on the expert knowledge and/or experimental data. The dedicated algorithm simulates material modifications (with a special focus on surface) taking into account original material characteristics (evaluated by means of NDT techniques) and setting of process parameters. In this way, it is possible to analyze the sequence of processes (i.e. material modifications) and to estimate properties of the resulting product. Two case studies are presented for illustration of the potential uses of the SWORFISH approach in the field of timber structures.
... MP; Leblanc, RM Langmuir 2000, 16, 2882. ... Threading, Growth, and Aggregation of Pseudopoly... more ... MP; Leblanc, RM Langmuir 2000, 16, 2882. ... Threading, Growth, and Aggregation of Pseudopolyrotaxanes. Pierandrea Lo Nostro, Luca Giustini, Emiliano Fratini, Barry W. Ninham, Francesca Ridi, and Piero Baglioni. The Journal of Physical Chemistry B 2008 112 (4), 1071-...
International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives, 2011
Wettability of 6 different wood species commonly used in the woodworking industry in the Mediterr... more Wettability of 6 different wood species commonly used in the woodworking industry in the Mediterranean region was evaluated in this study. The species were Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.), umbrella pine (Pinus pinea L.), oak (Quercus sp.p.), chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and poplar (Populus sp.p.), and their surfaces were machined according to 3 different processes: planing, sanding and disc-sawing. Measurement of dynamic contact angle and extractives (evaluated by means of GC-MS analysis) were carried out on freshly cut and 24 h air exposed surfaces, in order to also evaluate the effect of ageing on wettability. The parameterisation of the contact angle vs. time curves allowed for the systematic statistical elaboration of data, in order to find the relationships existing between the four parameters characterising the dynamic curves and the considered factors (species, machining, ageing). The evaluations evidenced a different influence of these factors on the chosen parameters and hence some of them could be used to reliably assess both wood wettability and the effects of the factors here considered. In general softwoods showed higher contact angles than hardwoods due to the different anatomy and to the presence of resins and terpenes in addition to fatty acids and phenolic compounds, also present in hardwoods. After 24 h air exposure a shifting upwards of dynamic contact angle curves was observed but, despite the variation in surface composition, this shifting was imputable to other inactivation factors. Also machining appreciably influenced wettability, and the sanded surfaces were the most wettable as compared to both the planed and the disc-sawn ones. On the other hand, these observed differences diminished after ageing due to the levelling effect of inactivation that overcame surface inhomogeneities.
ABSTRACT Adhesives industry is increasingly interested in products coming from natural and renewa... more ABSTRACT Adhesives industry is increasingly interested in products coming from natural and renewable resources, because of the limited reserve of oil, its prices variability and its negative impact on both environment and human health. However, soy crops are mainly concentrated in the Americas, and are not so widespread in Europe. Thus, it is interesting to evaluate if other vegetable proteins more common in Europe are compatible for their use as wood adhesives. In this study, zein, a protein component of maize (Zea mays L.), the pea (Pisum sativum L.) protein, and two products based on soy (Glycine max L.) proteins, one treated with alkali and the other not, were compared in order to verify their utilisation as wood adhesives for indoor applications.Dissolution tests in both water and ethanol/water mixture at different pH values, and FT-IR analysis in the same conditions were carried out. Also the effect of the addition of denaturing agents such us urea and guanidine hydrochloride was evaluated. Solubility results showed that, as expected, water soluble fraction of these proteins increased significantly by increasing pH: both the 2 soy proteins and the pea protein evidenced soluble fraction higher than 80% at pH 10, while for zein, this parameter was always lower than 30%.Moreover, water seemed to be a better solvent than the ethanol/water mixture. In fact, in one case a solubility decrease was observed when ethanol was added to water.Standard bonding tests on wood-to-wood joints were carried out according to EN 205, both in dry and in wet conditions, this latter after 4 days of immersion in water. Shear strength values were above the minimum threshold limit of 10 MPa required by the standard for both the 2 soy and the pea proteins. In contrast, all proteins were not suitable for wet conditions.Pea protein seemed to be a valid alternative to soy proteins, which is realistic considering that the amino acid profiles of pea and soy proteins are similar. However, like for the soy protein, it is essential to improve the water resistance with an additive. In contrast, zein did not seem suitable as wood adhesive, because of its low solubility in all the considered conditions.
ABSTRACT L’état de conservation de certains échantillons de bois fossile de l’Ère Tertiaire, prov... more ABSTRACT L’état de conservation de certains échantillons de bois fossile de l’Ère Tertiaire, provenant de carottages de kimberlite dans la zone du Lac de Gras (région subarctique canadienne) et autrefois identifiés comme Sequioxylon canadense Blokhina, a été évalué chimiquement. Les causes possibles de leur dégradation ont aussi été discutées. La composition chimique des fossiles (mesurée avec les teneurs en holocellulose, en lignine et en minéraux) a été évaluée avec des méthodologies d’analyse gravimétrique et avec des analyses chromatographiques sur l’extrait au dichlorométhane. Des mesures de capacité d’échange cationique (CEC) ont été en outre conduites sur des fossiles. Les analyses ont montré la complète disparition de la teneur en holocellulose (sauf pour 2 échantillons sur 9), tandis que la lignine est devenue le composé le plus abondant, ainsi que la cendre (dont le montant atteint 47,5 % dans un cas). Les données de la CEC ont aussi mis en évidence que le carboxyles acides ont été transformés en carboxyles salifiés, qui représentent la forme restante de carboxyles la plus importante dans les fossiles (encore plus abondants que dans le bois de référence). Toutes ces circonstances indiquent que les fossiles sont très dégradés. Cette dégradation est une conséquence de l’écoulement pendant l’enfouissement, qui a causé l’hydrolyse des groupes estérifiés et la dépolymérisation de la lignine.
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