Exploratory Analysis of the Distribution of Lignin and Cellulose in Woods by Raman Imaging and Chemometrics

The determinations of cellulose and lignin are important in wood analysis from both perspectives: chemistry composition, commercial and industrial application of woods. In this context, Raman image spectroscopy was applied in the determination of cellulose and lignin distribution in wood surfaces of Swietenia macrophylla King (Mahogany) and Eucalyptus hybrid (E. urophylla x E. camaldulensis). The relative concentration maps were obtained by applying a multivariate curve resolution procedure. The estimated Raman spectra for cellulose and lignin agrees with the ones available in the literature. The cellulose concentration maps showed similar variations for both studied species with an average value of nearly 85% as obtained by the reference method. The lignin concentration maps were somewhat different. The Eucalyptus hybrid presents a broader distribution (20 to 45%) while for Mahogany it is nearly constant, around 25%, with localized regions presenting contents of 45 to 65% of lignin. The reference method showed that the mean lignin content of both species is 27%. The cellulose and lignin concentration maps agree with the biological functions of the anatomic structures observed in the images.