Accurate identification of timber species is essential for biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, and timber supply chain control. This study evaluated four pre-trained convolutional neural networks—ResNet50, VGG16, InceptionV3, and MobileNetV2 and a Vision Transformer (ViT) as fixed feature extractors for the automated identification of Amazonian timber species. The resulting deep representations were classified using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Support Vector Classifier (SVC), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), and Random Forest (RF). The dataset comprised 864 macroscopic images of wood cross-sections representing six species and five genera from the Brazilian Amazon. Two image-representation strategies were compared: original images and 20 random 224 × 224-pixel patches extracted from each image. Patch-level class probabilities were aggregated at the image level through soft voting, and predictive performance was evaluated using tree-level Leave-One-Group-Out Cross-Validation. The patch-based strategy improved classifier performance and produced more consistent recognition across species, particularly by increasing the recall of classes with the highest error rates when original images were used. Among the evaluated feature extractors, ViT representations yielded the best results when combined with ANN, SVC, and LDA. The ViT + SVC model achieved the highest predictive performance, with 98.29
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is gaining recognition as a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials like steel and concrete, offering enhanced structural rigidity and dimensional stability. However, its performance depends heavily on the wood species used. This study explores the potential of Gmelina arborea, a fast-growing hardwood widely cultivated in Nigeria but underexplored for CLT applications. The research evaluates the compressive strength of CLT panels made from Nigerian-grown Gmelina arborea under in-plane and out-of-plane loading conditions. Panels were fabricated using visually graded planks bonded with one-component polyurethane (PUR) and two-component epoxy resin (ER) adhesives. Compressive strength tests were conducted following the BS EN 408:2012 standard, and reliability analysis was performed using Python and MATLAB to compute reliability indices (β) and probabilities of failure (Pf) via the first-order reliability method (FORM). Results revealed that compressive strength perpendicular to the plane ranged from 11.08 to 13.34 N/mm2, while parallel strength ranged from 14.30 to 30.26 N/mm2, with PUR-bonded panels exhibiting slightly higher values. PUR-bonded panels achieved a mean perpendicular strength of 12.47 N/mm2 compared to 12.24 N/mm2 for ER-bonded panels. Parallel strength in the minor direction was higher than perpendicular strength, with PUR and ER panels averaging 18.19 N/mm2 and 15.80 N/mm2, respectively. The major strength direction showed the highest values, with PUR at 27.86 N/mm2 and ER at 26.79 N/mm2. Reliability analysis indicated that PUR adhesives outperformed ER, with higher reliability indices (β = 3.6637, Pf = 0.0001243) compared to ER (β = 3.1646, Pf = 0.00077641). These findings highlight the superior structural reliability of PUR-bonded CLT panels.
Thermal modification is an eco-friendly technique to enhance performance of wood by altering its chemical properties. In this study, the effect of thermal treatment on the chemical composition of Albizia lebbeck, an important agroforestry species, was investigated. Wood samples were treated under vacuum at temperatures ranging from 140 to 200 °C for 2 and 4 h; contents of alpha cellulose, lignin, holocellulose, and hemicellulose were evaluated. The treatment produced visible colour changes, with samples becoming progressively darker at higher temperatures and longer durations. FTIR spectra indicated degradation of hemicelluloses along with alterations in hydroxyl groups. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed rise in cellulose crystallinity, particularly at 200 °C after 4 h of exposure. One-way ANOVA indicated significant effects of thermal treatment on all components (p < 0.001). Alpha cellulose and holocellulose declined with increasing treatment severity, while hemicellulose was the most heat-sensitive fraction, decreasing sharply from 20.4
This study presents a sustainable hybrid vinyl ester composite reinforced with silane-treated Macrotyloma uniflorum stem microfibre and silane-treated biocarbon, designed to achieve simultaneous enhancement in mechanical, thermal, and tribological performance. Compared to the neat vinyl ester matrix (tensile strength 65 MPa, flexural strength 82 MPa, impact strength 0.65 kJ/m2, thermal conductivity 0.21 W/m-K, and wear rate 0.0058 mm3/N-m), all reinforced systems exhibited notable improvements, confirming the effectiveness of dual surface modification and hybrid reinforcement. Among the compositions, the 4
The compatibility between wood and cement is a challenge in producing composites from lignocellulosic residues. This study investigated the influence of extractives from two Amazonian wood species, Dinizia excelsa and Dipteryx odorata, on the hydration of high-early-strength Portland cement and evaluated the efficacy of extraction methods in improving compatibility. Wood sawdust was subjected to four treatments: cold water (CW), hot water in a bath (HW-bath), hot water in a Soxhlet apparatus (HW-Soxhlet), and total extractives (TE) removal with toluene-ethanol. The compatibility was assessed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrical conductivity, semi-adiabatic calorimetry, and compatibility indices (CT, CA, CX, CA24 h, Cs). The results showed that polar, water-soluble extractives were the cause of hydration inhibition. The HW-Soxhlet extraction was the most effective water-based method, removing a percentage of extractives equivalent to 92 and 99
Wrightia tinctoria is an important raw material for India’s toy and handicraft clusters, with an entire cluster (Channapatna Toys and Handicraft cluster, Karnataka) relying almost exclusively on this species. Traditional air seasoning often leaves the species inadequately dried, since artisans rely on small, regularly dried batches rather than large-scale operations. Faster techniques like microwave (MW) drying offer a practical solution, ensuring production efficiency for the handicraft industry. MW drying has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional wood drying techniques, owing to its rapid heating, volumetric energy transfer, and potential to reduce processing time. The present study evaluates the drying behaviour of W. tinctoria wood under three microwave power levels: T1 (1.6 kW), T2 (2.0 kW), and T3 (2.4 kW), and examines their impact on physico-mechanical properties and wood microstructures. Moisture loss patterns showed that higher microwave power levels markedly increased the drying rate and shortened total drying time. The drying rate was consistently higher above the fibre saturation point (FSP) than below it for all treatments, with values increasing from T1 to T3 as microwave intensity increased. T1 showed the lowest drying rates, 7.89 and 6.51 g/min, while T3 recorded the highest, 12.59 and 10.83 g/min above and below FSP, respectively. Correspondingly, T1, with its lower power and slower drying rate, required 70 min to remove the moisture, whereas T2 and T3 removed the same amount of moisture in 60 and 50 min, respectively, clearly demonstrating the efficiency gained with increased microwave power. Reduction in mechanical properties such as modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), and maximum crushing strength (MCS) was observed with increasing microwave power. Microstructural analysis supported these findings, showing evidence of cell wall rupture, micro-cracks, and lumen deformation under higher power levels. These alterations not only explained the decline in mechanical performance but also indicated an increase in permeability of the MW dried wood. The study demonstrates that microwave drying is effective in achieving faster drying rates, but excessive power intensities significantly reduces mechanical and structural integrity.
Harvested wood products (HWPs) constitute a significant and dynamic carbon pool within the global carbon cycle, functioning alongside major reservoirs such as soils and oceans. Unlike many conventional construction materials, HWPs retain biogenic carbon fixed during tree growth and function as long-term carbon sinks. In this context, the present study is undertaken to quantitatively assess the contribution of wood-based materials incorporated in various buildings of a college campus to carbon sequestration by Direct inventory method. For this purpose, volume of wood products used in hostel, mess, sports equipment, library and class room was estimated and the total carbon stock associated with these products was calculated by considering the type of material like solid wood, plywood, particle board and MDF. In addition, the volume of non-wood material such as steel and iron used in these products were also calculated to evaluate the possible carbon sequestration benefits. The results showed that the total volume of wood products was 25.45 m3, with an estimated carbon sequestration potential of 7284.45 kg, equivalent to 26,732.86 kg of CO2. However, these estimates may vary considerably due to the assumption of a standard wood density across all products. The study further revealed that furniture design significantly influences carbon storage, as chair types combining wood with metal frames contained substantially lower wood volumes, resulting in reduced carbon sequestration. The study highlights the prominent role of small wood products in carbon capturing, which recommend the use of wood products in the building component and furniture especially.
This study investigates the application of radio frequency (RF) hot pressing for the production of medium-density fiber-boards (MDF) utilizing lops and tops of Populus deltoides and urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesive. MDF boards were manufactured at three RF durations (9, 12, and 15 min) and three pressure levels (17.5, 21.0, and 24.5 kg/cm2) and evaluated as per IS: 12,406 (2003). The resulting boards were evaluated for their physical and mechanical properties, including water absorption, general and surface swelling, tensile strength, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and screw withdrawal strength. The results indicated that boards produced at an RF application duration of 15-minutes and a pressure of 24.5 kg/cm2 met the requirement specified in IS:12,406 (2003). Boards manufactured at other RF durations and pressures also exhibited satisfactory physical and mechanical properties. The findings of this study highlight the potential of RF technology in MDF production, demonstrating its capacity for enhanced heat penetration and curing efficiency. These findings position RF hot pressing as a promising and innovative approach for MDF manufacturing, with the potential to optimize board performance and enhance production sustainability, thereby paving the way for future advancements in MDF technology.
This study developed hybrid bio-boards from organic and plastic wastes as sustainable, value-added alternatives to conventional wood particleboard widely used in domestic interior applications while also offering thermal and acoustic insulation benefits. The major raw materials used in the study includes bamboo particles as renewable Bamboo Industrial Process waste, and Shredded Milk Plastic (SMP) derived from recycled waste milk packets. A novel approach of particleboard was investigated using waste SMP as binder with bamboo particles at 50
The global demand for timber is increasing, making it crucial to boost productivity and improve wood quality through focused tree breeding programs. Conventional evaluations of wood quality are destructive, lengthy, and not suitable for extensive assessments. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a rapid, non-destructive alternative method capable of evaluating structural, anatomical, and chemical traits of wood. Integrating NIRS into breeding programs can accelerate the selection of superior genotypes while preserving valuable genetic resources. This review evaluates the both historical and contemporary applications of NIRS for qualitative and quantitative analysis in tree genetics and breeding. It covers aspects such as wood characterization, pulp yield estimation, predictimg chemical, mechanical, and anatomical properties including microfibril angle, distinguishing tree species, wood- and insect-pest types, as well as assessment of moisture content, and biofuel potential. Furthermore, limitation and prospective application trends of NIRS in tree breeding and genetics were discussed.
Natural fillers are promising, abundant, and inexpensive for adhesively bonded joints, which are now widely used due to their unique advantages, including uniform stress distribution, reduced stress concentration, and enhanced strength. This study investigates the effect of natural particles from various date palm components on the mechanical properties of joints bonded together. The date palm seeds (DPS) and mesh (DPM) were the two sections of the tree from which the particles were taken. Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite laminates were used as the adherents. The effects of different weight ratios of natural particles were experimentally investigated. For this purpose, single lap joints (SLJs) with three various date palm filler weight rates, 5, 10, and 15 wt
The present study evaluated the drying performance of Mangifera indica (mango) wood using Radio-Frequency Vacuum (RFV) technology, with emphasis on drying kinetics, moisture distribution, microstructural changes, and physico-mechanical properties. Two drying protocols were followed: Run 1 [8 min radio frequency (RF) heating, 2 min idle period] and Run 2 (16 min RF heating, 4 min idle period). Moisture content decreased from 75 to 12
Laminated veneer lumber exhibits limited tensile resistance in the tension zone under bending loads; therefore, reinforcing this region is essential. This study investigated the bending performance of Paulownia laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beams strengthened with glass fiber–reinforced polymer (GFRP) and carbon fiber–reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. The test specimens measured 32 cm × 2 cm × 1.4 cm in length, width, and thickness, respectively. The results showed that the highest densities, 0.64 and 0.65 g/cm3, were obtained for LVLs reinforced with six layers of GFRP and CFRP, respectively. Both solid Paulownia wood and Paulownia LVL (P-LVL) exhibited lower MOE and MOR values than LVLs reinforced with CFRP and GFRP. Although CFRP-reinforced LVLs showed slightly higher MOE and MOR than those reinforced with GFRP, the difference was not statistically significant at the 95
Wood-based panel boards are widely used in construction and interior applications for their low cost and favorable mechanical properties, yet their flammability remains a major safety concern. This study evaluates the effectiveness of commercial fire-retardant (FR) coatings on plywood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). The coatings were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), while fire performance was assessed through a bench-scale vertical flame exposure setup developed for comparative evaluation of ignition behavior under controlled flame exposure, combined with infrared thermography to monitor surface temperature evolution. FTIR revealed functional groups such as phosphate, melamine, and hydroxyls, while XRF confirmed phosphorus, aluminum, and silicon, all contributing to char formation and flame inhibition. Fire tests showed that FR-coated panels delayed ignition, lowered peak surface temperatures, and in some cases achieved partial self-extinction compared with uncoated or primer-coated boards. Plywood retained structural integrity after exposure, whereas MDF became brittle and flaky, highlighting the role of substrate type in thermal response under localized flame exposure. Overall, FR coatings demonstrated improved resistance to ignition and early-stage thermal development by extending ignition time, reducing heat transfer, and preserving stability. These findings emphasize the value of passive fire protection strategies in delaying ignition onset and reducing early-stage thermal development under these fire testing conditions and reducing early-stage thermal degradation in wood-based panel applications and furnishing applications.
The study’s objective was to evaluate the pressing stage of medium-density fiberboards made of Pinus taeda, which has a thickness of 15 and 18 mm and is influenced by temperature and pressing time on the physical and mechanical properties. The methodology was divided into two stages: (i) evaluation of the temperature in the center of the panels until the adhesive cured (100 °C), plus an additional 10 min; (ii) evaluation of the properties of the panels over each minute after reaching the minimum adhesive curing time. As a result, five distinct temperature phases were observed in the center of the panel, where we can highlight the rapid increase in the variable in the second phase, a plateau stage in the fourth phase, and the resumption of the temperature in the last phase; and; minimum pressing times to meet the parameters of the reference standard of 5:18 min for a thickness of 15 mm and 6:52 min for 18 mm.
Clonal Eucalyptus wood has been grown in the Maâmora forest area (North-West of Morocco) as a fiber source, particularly for pulpwood production. This study aims to evaluate the lumber yields, air–drying kinetics, and drying defects–including shrinkage, bowing, end splits, surface checks, and cracks–of two Eucalyptus clones (Eucalyptus grandis and E. camaldulensis) that are 9 years old and taken from the Maâmora forest. The obtained results show that the lumber yield of E. grandis clone is more important than that of E. camaldulensis clone, and its timber is the least deformed and cracked. The boards from both clones exhibited mean shrinkage values in the tangential and radial directions of 9.229 and 5.850
This study focuses on the development of a composite made from Fraké (Terminalia superba) wood waste in the form of particles and an epoxy matrix for use in industry. The composites are manufactured with three particle sizes ([t0.35[; [0.35–0.63 [; [0.63–1[) and three mass reinforcement percentages (50, 60 and 70
This research examines the influence of service temperature aging on the mechanical, fatigue, thermal and dielectric performance of a polyester based sustainable hybrid composite reinforced with aluminized glass fiber, bamboo fiber and carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with alkali-silane surface modification applied to enhance interfacial stability. Composite specimens were subjected to thermal aging at 40°C for 7, 14, 21 and 30 days and compared with an unaged reference specimen. The unaged composite exhibited a tensile strength of 162 MPa and a flexural strength of 182 MPa which decreased to 142 MPa and 161 MPa respectively after 30 days of aging indicating gradual matrix degradation and interfacial weakening. Fatigue analysis revealed that the fatigue life at 25
In this modern world, the searching of noise-free environment is very difficult and especially in the textile industry. The experts recommended several solutions to control the noise by using suitable sound absorbent material in different places. The textile fiber-based sound absorbent materials control the noise effectively and the role of non-woven fabrics lead the industry towards 0
The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of soil mineral fertilization in clonal and seminal plantations of E. dunnii on wood quality and its relationship with tree crown and trunk variables. Data were collected in experimental plantations of E. dunnii at 8.5-years-old. The treatments were seminal and clonal propagation and soil fertilization: conventional formulation, slow-release, and control. Tree crown and trunk variables were measured. Tree grain deviation, growth stress (LRS) and wood density were also measured. A mean test to compare treatments was performed and a correlation test was performed between parameters. Principal component analyzes (PCAs) were generated to understand the effects of treatments. The results demonstrate that the seminal propagation presented a greater length and percentage of the tree crown. On the other hand, clonal trees showed higher LRS. Soil fertilized in plantations showed a lower degree of trunk slenderness rate. The LRS showed a positive correlation with the trunk dimensions and volume. The PCAs results recommend the planting of clonal E. dunnii, under the soil nutritional management with fertilization of conventional formulation. These trees tend to present greater trunk growth and volumetric increment, as well as better parameters wood quality variables.
