Thermal modification is widely applied to improve the durability and dimensional stability of wood; however, it alters the emission profile of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which may affect indoor air quality. This study evaluated the effect of accelerated aging on VOC emissions from thermally modified Norway spruce (Picea abies) wood. Untreated and thermally treated samples (160, 180, and 210 °C) were subjected to accelerated aging in a xenon test chamber for 600 h. VOC emissions were analyzed using headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS), and total VOC emissions (TVOC) were calculated from peak areas. Thermal modification significantly reduced TVOC compared to untreated wood, with samples treated at 210 °C showing up to a 376-fold decrease. Increasing modification temperature reduced the amount and variability of emitted VOCs and altered their chemical composition. Terpenes dominated in untreated wood, particularly α-pinene (51%), whereas thermally treated samples showed lower terpene content and higher proportions of carbonyl compounds such as furfural. Accelerated aging further affected VOC emissions, including a 42% decrease in TVOC for the 160 °C sample and compositional shifts characterized by the disappearance or formation of specific compounds. Thermal modification and subsequent aging substantially modify VOC emission profiles and improve emission stability of thermally treated spruce wood.

Pellets produced from raw or torrefied shredded logging residues have been investigated in the study. The research material came from pine and spruce stands in Poland, Slovakia, Czechia and Hungary. Torrefaction temperatures (Tt) of 250, 300, and 400 °C were applied. Before pressure agglomeration, 3% wheat flour was added to the torrefaction material as a binding agent. Pellets with a diameter of 8 mm were produced at constant humidity, compaction pressure (P) of 140 or 180 MPa and agglomeration temperature (Ta) of 100, 120 or 140 °C. The produced pellets were assessed for their physicomechanical parameters (density, radial compressive strength, compression ratio, modulus of elasticity), chemical parameters (extractive compounds, cellulose, lignin) and energy parameters (ash content, elemental composition, calorific value). The results were subjected to basic statistical analysis and multi-way ANOVA. The produced pellets varied in physical, mechanical, chemical and energy properties. A significant effect of torrefaction temperature, agglomeration temperature and compaction pressure on the results was observed. In terms of physicomechanical parameters, the best pellets were produced from the raw material, while in terms of energy parameters, those produced from the torrefied material were superior. Pellets of satisfactory quality produced from torrefied logging residues could be obtained at Tt = 250 °C, Ta = 120 °C and P = 180 MPa. Pellets with specific density of approximately 1.1 g·cm-3, radial compressive strength of 3-3.5 MPa, modulus of elasticity of 60-80 MPa and calorific value of 20.3-23.8 MJ·kg-1 were produced in the process.

This study investigates the chemical and structural composition of a Vespa crabro nest before museum consolidation. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), computed tomography (CT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and fiber analysis were used to assess its material properties and biochemical wood decomposition processes. HPLC results indicate the nest consists primarily of polysaccharides (≈ 52 wt%), including partially hydrolyzed cellulose and hemicelluloses, with degradation products present in extractive fractions. Lignin content (≈ 17.6 wt%) is lower than in native wood, likely due to the use of weathered or decayed material for easier processing during nest construction. Sugar analysis and SEM confirm hardwood as the primary source material. FT-IR analysis reveals that darker brown areas contain higher lignin content and cellulose with lower crystallinity than beige areas. FTIR and optical microscopy also identify proteins in the outer shell (as a natural adhesive) and inside comb cells (as larval waste). XRF detected trace elements (≈ 1.4 wt%) such as Fe, Pb, Sn, Sb from environmental sources. CT scanning revealed a 10-layered hexagonal comb structure, optimized for strength and insulation. These findings provide new insights into Vespa crabro nest construction, emphasizing the role of hornets in natural wood decomposition and motivating novel approaches to sustainable fiber-based materials, adhesives, and insulation technologies. The results contribute to material science, wood processing, entomology, and bio-based composites conservation.

This study evaluates the performance of six feature selection methods (BORUTA, LASSO, RFE, XGBoost, FSM, and SEV) and five predictive modelling techniques (ANN, MARS, RST, SRT, and SVM) for the spatial estimation of municipal waste accumulation rates across 79 districts in the Slovak Republic. Using a 2022 cross-sectional dataset comprising 45 socio-economic and demographic variables, the study focuses on spatial prediction for unseen districts rather than temporal forecasting. Feature selection results indicate that BORUTA, RFE, and XGBoost consistently identify key predictors, notably the share of three-person households, the density of transport and warehousing companies, and average monthly wages. Model robustness was ensured through repeated random sub-sampling (30 iterations, 70/30 split) and validated using the Friedman test with Nemenyi post hoc comparisons (alpha = 0.05). The highest accuracy was achieved by MARS and ANN models coupled with SEV selection (MAE approximate to 28-30 kg/(person & centerdot;year), MAPE approximate to 6%, R-2 > 0.88), and by SVM with XGBoost (MAE approximate to 30 kg/(person & centerdot;year), R-2 approximate to 0.90). Reducing the predictor set from ten to five resulted in only minor performance degradation (MAPE increase < 1 pp), confirming the effectiveness of dimensionality reduction. The proposed approach enables accurate, computationally efficient waste generation estimation, thereby supporting regional planning and evidence-based policy development. In a broader context, the findings contribute to the implementation of the European Green Deal and circular economy objectives by providing tools for spatially targeted waste management strategies, directly aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Recycled polymer-rich residues can alter several functions of wood-based panels, but claims of multifunctionality require property-specific evidence and transparent treatment of replication. Three-layer spruce particleboards were therefore prepared with 10 wt.% painted or unpainted polypropylene bumper granules, high-density polyethylene fuel-tank granules, tire rubber, seal-and-carpet residues, or electrical-cable fractions in the core layer. Two hybrid formulations contained 10 wt.% recycled rubber-rich filler plus 10 wt.% expandable graphite. Transient plane source measurements were evaluated at the specimen-pair level (two pairs per formulation); normal-incidence sound absorption and radiant-heat mass loss were complementary descriptive screens because the archived datasets contained one spectrum or one exposed specimen per formulation. Mean thermal conductivity varied only from 0.1908 to 0.2075 W m-1 K-1 (-5.3% to +3.0% relative to the reference). The graphite hybrids showed the clearest change in transient response: thermal diffusivity increased by 19.6-20.1%, whereas volumetric heat capacity decreased by 14.5-16.7% and thermal effusivity by 6.5-8.7%. SC10G10 had the highest mean absorption coefficient over 126-6400 Hz (0.210; +46.2%) and the lowest mass loss after 600 s at 30 kW m-2 (37.48%; -17.72%). Macroscopic and polarizing optical images showed formulation-dependent filler distribution and visible interfacial spaces, but they did not establish bonding mechanisms or quantify porosity. The results identify promising formulation-dependent responses while also defining the replication and structural measurements needed before application-level claims can be made.

The aim of the article was to test new types of rubber-containing particleboards created from waste materials, which positively contributes to environmental protection, saving primary resources and reducing production costs. This article focuses on the study of three-layer particleboards made from wood particles (spruce non-treated beams) and waste rubber granulates (tires, mixture of seals and carpets, internal flammable cables, external non-flammable cables). Urea-formaldehyde glue, melamine-formaldehyde glue, paraffin emulsion, and ammonium nitrate were used as a binders and excipients in the manufacturing of particleboards. In the core layer of each particleboard, 10% of the weight was made up of rubber granulate. Physical properties (density, water absorption, thickness swelling) and mechanical properties (internal bonding strength, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, screw driving torque) were assessed from this perspective using current EN technical standards. According to the findings, the average densities of all particleboards were comparable to each other in a range from 0.692 to 0.704 g·cm-3. The lowest average water absorption and thickness swelling reached particleboards containing 10% of waste internal flammable cables, namely 32.79% for water absorption and 13.21% for thickness swelling. The highest average internal bonding strength reached particleboards without rubber filler and particleboards containing 10% of waste external non-flammable cables, namely 0.52 MPa for both types. The highest average modulus of rupture reached particleboards without rubber filler, namely 12.44 MPa. The highest average modulus of elasticity reached particleboards containing 10% of waste internal flammable cables, namely 2206.29 MPa, and the highest screw driving torque reached particleboards without rubber filler, namely 0.46 N·m for seating torque and 1.44 N·m for stripping torque. The results show that particleboards containing waste external non-flammable cables and particleboards containing waste internal flammable cables achieved comparable results to particleboards without rubber filler, which provides a good basis for a new way of utilizing this type of waste in the form of producing new wood-rubber composites.

Coffee husks are waste in the coffee roasting process, constituting about 12 % of the mass of the beans, generating a significant burden on the environment if they are not correctly disposed of. Pellets made from them can be sold or burned in the manufacturing plant. The justification for the undertaken research was to indicate the period after production of the agglomerate to obtain good technical and energetic quality. The research material in the form of unprocessed and pressure-agglomerated husks was obtained from a coffee roastery in Poland. The pellets were tested over 11 weeks, on the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 23rd, 52nd, and 78th day after their production. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in parameters with significance for short-term storage (no longer than 2-3 months), transport and combustion. The changing moisture content of the pellet, which is more intense in the first days after its production, affects the physical and mechanical properties of the pellet produced; with time after its production, the unit and bulk density of the pellet increases. At the same time, intermolecular bonds become more robust, and the pellet is more complex and more resistant to external factors. The pellet acquires good properties after approx. two weeks from production, it is possible to transport and store it, and it becomes resistant to moisture absorption. The examined pellets were initially characterized by high moisture content (over 40 %, which declined during storage to approx. 7 %), an average bulk density of over 400 kg m-3, a unit density of approximately 850 kg m-3, and a mechanical durability of 96.5 %. As regards compressive strength, a decrease in the axial direction and an increase in the radial direction were observed in the tested pellets over time and with decreasing moisture content. In both cases compressive strain decreased.

Thermal modification improves the properties of wood, especially its stability and durability. We thermally treated spruce wood with the Thermowood process at three temperatures (160 °C, 180 °C, and 210 °C) and subjected it to accelerated aging in wet mode. We evaluated the chemical composition (wet chemistry, infrared spectroscopy), color, surface morphology, and wetting of the wood surface with water. Thermal treatment caused a significant decrease in hemicelluloses (up to 72.39% at a temperature of 210 °C), which initiated an increase in the content of more resistant wood components—cellulose and lignin. With accelerated aging, the hemicellulose content decreased by another 5%. The most significant differences between the infrared spectra of thermally modified wood before and after exposure to accelerated aging were in the absorption bands of lignin (1509 and 1596 cm−1) and in the region of carbonyl groups between 1800 and 1630 cm−1. Thermal treatment also caused a change in the color of the wood to dark brown; the overall color difference ΔE increased several times. The thermal-induced shortening of polysaccharide fibers and reduction in their width were even more manifested during accelerated aging. This work contains new knowledge about the properties critical for the reuse of thermally modified wood after accelerated aging, simulating the end of its life cycle.

Selected fire properties of oak wood (mass loss, burning rate, and charring rate) and its chemical composition (extraction substances, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose) were assessed. Oak wood samples with dimensions of 50 × 40 × 50 mm (l × w × t) were thermally loaded by a heat flux of 15, 20, 25, and 30 kW·m-2, using a ceramic infrared heater with a power of 1000 W. At the given thermal loading, the mass loss ranged from 26% to 47%, whereas the burning rate ranged from 0.0365 to 0.0584%·s-1. The maximum thickness of charred layer was 20 mm, and the charring rate reached values from 0.65 to 0.87 mm·min-1, in a time interval of 1800 s. With increasing thermal loading, the content of extraction substances increased by 30% and the content of lignin increased slightly as well. In contrast, the content of hemicelluloses decreased by 10.3%. This indicates that hemicelluloses are the least thermally resistant wood component. The obtained results can be used as basic data for future testing using medium-sized tests. Subsequently, they can be compared with the input parameters for calculating the fire resistance of wooden constructions elements, which will be the subject of further research.

This study aimed to determine the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in two types of creosote-treated railroad ties. The pine ties were at the end of their service life and new beech ties were impregnated with a newer type of creosote. Samples were collected from the outer (within 50 mm of one of the tie edges) and inner (the remainder) portions of railroad ties. PAHs were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Twelve compounds out of sixteen priority PAHs were identified in pine ties, including the carcinogenic benzo-[a]-pyrene and another five that are possibly carcinogenic to humans. In contrast, only six priority PAHs were identified and determined in beech ties impregnated with less toxic creosote, none of which are classified as carcinogenic or possibly carcinogenic to humans. The composition of VOC emissions depends not only on the type of impregnating agent, but also on the type of wood. The emissions from pine wood were dominated by terpenes, while those from beech wood were dominated by PAHs. For both species, PAHs are emitted more from the surface than from the interior of the railroad ties. Although the levels of PAHs are significantly lower in the interior of the ties, their concentration exceeds the limits for waste wood with potential for recycling. For safe recycling of railroad ties, it would be necessary to reduce the level of PAHs by extraction with a suitable solvent.

The objective of this work was to investigate the selected properties of particleboard (PB) containing waste rubber – a mixture of carpets and isolators (GWR) and tires (GWT) from discarded automobiles. Mechanical (tensile strength (IB), bending strength (BS), physical (water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS) after 2 and 24 h of immersion), chemical (volatile compounds - VOC using GC-MS method), thermo-physical (thermal conductivity and diffusivity, specific heat capacity) and sound absorption coefficient were analyzed. In addition, a density profile and microscopic analysis of the particleboards were performed. The addition of 10

The growing volume of plastic waste from end-of-life vehicles presents environmental concerns, driving efforts to integrate recycled plastics. This study investigates the possibility of using recycled plastic from automotive parts (painted and unpainted bumpers, fuel tanks) as a 10% filler in the core layer of three-layer particleboards (P) and evaluates its impact on physical properties (water absorption-WA and thickness swelling-TS), mechanical properties (internal bonding strength-IB, modulus of rupture-MOR, modulus of elasticity-MOE and screw driving torque-SDT) and volatile organic compounds-VOC emissions. The boards were produced using conventional hot-pressing technology and analyzed according to applicable standards. Based on the results, the density of the reference (P) was 0.72 g·cm-3, while wood-plastic composites ranged from 0.70 g·cm-3 to 0.72 g·cm-3. After 24 h, WA reached 40% for reference (P) and from 36.9% (for (P) containing unpainted bumpers) to 41.9% (for (P) containing fuel tanks). TS reached 18% for (P) and from 16.8% (for (P) containing unpainted bumpers and fuel tanks) to 18.1% (for (P) containing painted bumpers). Plastic is a hydrophobic material and it is assumed that by increasing the proportion of plastic filler in the particleboards, the WA and TS of prepared boards will decrease. From the point of view of mechanical properties, values for (P) containing plastic filler were slightly lower compared to reference (P). The lowest value of IB (0.39 MPa) were reached for (P) containing painted bumpers. Plastic surface treatment could interfere with adhesion between the plastic and adhesive, weakening the bond in the core layer. For this reason, is preferable to use unpainted fillers, which provide better adhesive properties and higher structural integrity. VOC emissions from wood components consisted primarily of monoterpenes such as α-pinene, 3-carene and limonene. Adding 10% plastic to the particleboard did not increase overall VOC emissions. On the other hand, combining wood and plastic particles resulted in a reduction in overall VOC emissions. The findings confirm that recycled automotive plastics can be effectively incorporated into particleboards, maintaining standard performance while reducing reliance on virgin wood materials, making them a viable and sustainable alternative for furniture and interior applications.

The present article addresses the assessment of environmental impacts of three-layer wood-based composites containing waste from the automotive industry (incorporated in the middle layer) on aquatic environments. Water leachates from samples of the three-layer wood composites were evaluated using ecotoxicological tests with the test organisms Lemna minor, Sinapis alba, and Daphnia magna. In the samples, pH and chemical oxygen demand (COD) values were determined, representing the total amount of organic substances leached into the water. As a control sample, a particleboard without automotive waste content was used. The results indicate that incorporating automotive industry waste into wood-based materials represents one of the suitable methods of recycling such waste, and the use of biotests proves to be an effective tool for evaluating their environmental impacts. The findings obtained from the environmental impact assessment suggest the necessity to reconsider the quantity of waste incorporated in the production of wood-based composites to reduce the inhibitory effects on test organisms in aquatic environments while maintaining the physical and mechanical properties of these composites.

The aim of this study was to determine the changes occurring in the wood cellulose of the fast-growing poplar ( Populus deltoides × maximowiczii ) under the influence of steam explosion (SE) pretreatment. Cellulose from native wood and after pretreatment at 160 and 205 °C was isolated. Cellulose polymerization degree by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and cellulose crystallinity index by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) were determined. The profiles of sugars in the native wood and in the solid fraction after pretreatment (using the acid hydrolysis method) were also determined. In addition, the profile of monosaccharides in the liquid fraction obtained after steam explosion and in the liquid fraction after acid hydrolysis of the oligosaccharides were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This allowed to determine the change in the yield of hexoses and pentoses in the studied material. The behavior of cellulose in wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 and 205 °C and isolated by the Kürschner–Hoffer method was studied by determining the absorption bands of FTIR-ATR spectra. The lateral order index (LOI) of cellulose was calculated from the ratio of the intensity of the corresponding absorption bands A 1422 /A 896 cm −1 . Total crystallinity index (TCI) of cellulose was calculated from the ratio of the intensity of absorption bands A 1372 /A 2900 cm −1 . TCI of Kürschner-Hoffer cellulose isolated from wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 and 205 °C decreased by 5.6 and 5.0%, respectively, with regard to the applied temperature. LOI increased in cellulose isolated from wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 °C (by 0.7%) and at 205 °C (by 19.2%) in relation to the index of cellulose isolated from native wood. Kürschner–Hoffer cellulose isolated from wood subjected to steam explosion at 160 and 205 °C exhibited, respectively, a reduced degree of polymerization of about 11% and about 8%. Polydispersity index in Kürschner–Hoffer cellulose was 1% lower after both pretreatments than native sample.

The objective of the present work was to determine the physico-mechanical and energy properties of pine (Pinus sylvestris) and beech (Fagus sylvatica) wood from railroad ties. The ties were divided into internal and external parts as well as into parts impregnated and unimpregnated with creosote oil. The effects of creosote impregnation on wood hardness, compressive strength parallel to the grain, static bending strength, and calorific value were studied. The obtained results show that the parameters of the analyzed samples meet the standard requirements (EN 338) for construction wood (compressive and bending strength class: C50—pine; D70—beech). Depending on the particular property being studied, both pine and beech samples belong to the highest or one of the highest wood quality classes. Creosote oil considerably increased wood density (by 9% for beech and 19% for pine) but did not affect its hardness. Creosote impregnation significantly improved the compressive strength parallel to the grain of both wood species (beech: σc=51.99 MPa (IN); σc=57.78 MPa (OUT); pine: σc=36.56 MPa (IN); σc=42.45 MPa (OUT)); in the case of static bending strength, its value was increased for beech wood (σg=106.13 MPa (IN); σg=113.18 MPa (OUT)) and reduced for pine wood (σg=66.34 MPa (IN); σg=82.62 MPa (OUT)). The oil contained in wood from ties significantly elevated its calorific value (by 25% for beech and 10% for pine). Unfortunately, the presence of creosote oil currently prevents wood from railroad ties from being reused as the oil is deemed hazardous and carcinogenic. However, if it were possible to isolate the unimpregnated parts of railroad ties, they could be reapplied for construction or other uses.

This article is focused on the research of particleboards (PB) composed of wood particles from spruce logs and recycled crushed plastic granulates. Crushed plastic granulates sized from 1.0 to 4.0 mm were obtained from worn automobiles by recycling, specifically painted and unpainted bumpers. The proportion of plastic granulate in the particleboards represented 10%, 15%, and 20% of the total weight of the composites. In the production of PB, urea-formaldehyde resin and paraffin emulsion were used as a binder and ammonium nitrate was used as a hardener. The aim of the article was to compare the selected properties of PB containing plastic filler with pure PB. Mechanical properties (tensile and bending strength), and physical properties (water absorption and thickness swelling) were evaluated according to EN 319, EN 310 and EN 317. Based on the results, it can be stated that the bending strength and physical properties of PB containing plastic filler were significantly better compared to pure PB. On the contrary, the tensile strength values were lower in most cases.

The objective of this work was to investigate the rate of knife wear during the beech wood chipping process and to evaluate the changes in the chemical and microscopic structure of wood. A knife coated with AlCrN was selected for the study. This coating creates an abrasion resistant layer on the knife and has a higher resistance to abrasive wear and, therefore, a longer life. After chipping, the degree of knife wear was assessed using a gravimetric method and 3D scanning analysis. Microstructural and surface characterisation revealed that cracking and abrasive wear were the main causes of tool blunting. The maximum removal of material on the cutting edge was 240 mu m, the average weight loss of 0.58 g. In relation to wear, wood fragments remained on the cutting knife. Infrared spectroscopy of wood fragments showed changes in the chemical composition due to the high temperatures in the blade of the knife, and elemental analysis, the higher content of Al, Cr, and N elements in the wood fragments, probably due to the presence of particles from the coating of the knives. Microscopic analysis of the chips revealed the presence of metal particles from the knives on the structural wood elements.

Anaerobic digestion is a demanding process, due to the large number of process and environmental factors that affect it. Many years of research of the various parameters have made it possible to optimise the process to obtain the maximum amount of biogas and methane contained in it, and this provides energy and environmental benefits. The article deals extensively with the operation of agricultural biogas plants, using the example of a plant that faces numerous operational problems. In order to identify the negative effects on energy yield and the equipment operating in the system, the substrate was examined, the data on its operation analysed, and solutions were proposed that should be taken into account in the further operation of the biogas plant. The analysis showed a good biogas yield from beet pulp of 563 dm3∙kg−1 of TS (total solid) and an average methane yield of 58%. With the analysis presented, it was possible to identify some operational problems. The biogas yield study also highlighted some errors made at the plant design stage. The most important of these is the use of an inappropriate organic matter loading factor for the digester, which leads to acidification of the contents and degradation of the methanogenic microorganism cultures.

Wood modification (by thermal or chemical treatment) helps to improve the dimensional stability of wood and enhance its resistance to biological agents. Beech wood is non-durable and exposure in exterior settings dramatically shortens its service life. To determine the full potential of beech wood for advanced applications, a better understanding of the chemical changes induced by modification is needed. Two chemical treatments (acetylation and melamine formaldehyde resin impregnation) and three thermal treatments (heating to 180, 200 and 220 degrees C) were performed on beech wood. The modification effect was examined based on (i) molecular changes in functional groups by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR); (ii) extractive content; and (iii) pH changes. Moreover, the explanation of these changes was supported by the FTIR-analysis of isolated main wood components (cellulose, holocellulose and lignin) from the modified wood. The high temperatures applied to samples during thermal modification promoted the deacetylation and degradation of hemicelluloses. Hemicelluloses were targeted also by acetic anhydride and melamine resin, the bonding of which was confirmed by FTIR analysis. The formation of fewer methylene bridges affected the properties of the melamine network. This observation suggests the need to determine optimal curing conditions in future research, to reduce melamine-wood hydrophilicity.

This work evaluates the effect of using selected inorganic chemicals as the main components of waterborne wood preservative systems on the degradation of the cellulose constituent in wood from model samples. The polymeric properties of cellulose and the homogeneity of the degradation process primarily reflect very well the degree of cellulose deterioration. Whatman papers, as pure cellulose model samples, were impregnated with 10 different 5 wt% solutions of inorganic salts and distilled water and consequently subjected to wet-thermal accelerated aging (T = 85 °C, RH = 65%, for 30 days). The samples were then derivatized to cellulose tricarbanilates (CTCs) through two different procedures (by precipitation in a methanol–water mixture/by evaporation of pyridine from the reaction mixture) and finally analyzed using size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Chemically treated and aged cellulose samples showed different changes in the degree of polymerization (DP) and polydispersity (PD) in terms of untreated non-aged standard caused by different ongoing degradation reactions, such as dehydration, hydrolysis, oxidation, and crosslinking. In general, the lowest degradation rate after treatment by chemicals and after accelerated aging was observed in samples treated by borates, NaCl, and ZnSO4·7H2O. The greatest depolymerization after treatment and after accelerated aging was caused by sulphates containing NH4+, Cu2+, and Fe3+ cations, with aging by NH4Cl and (NH4)2HPO4-treated samples also leading to significant depolymerization. The higher DP values are linked to the precipitated method of CTC preparation, though not for chlorides and phosphates. PD is also generally higher in precipitated and aged samples and is heavily influenced by the presence of low molecular weight products. This paper brings new insights regarding the complex evaluation of the polymeric properties of degraded cellulose by considering all important factors affecting the sample and the analysis itself through the use of statistics. From the statistical point of view, the influences of all factors (solution, aging, method) and their interactions (except aging*method) on DP are statistically significant. The influence of the sample processing method used for analysis of the desired results becomes important mainly in practice. This work recommends the evaporation method for more accurate description of more degraded cellulose.