ISSN:
1432-5225
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
,
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
Notes:
Summary That the behavior of wood in service results from its “structure” is generally accepted by wood scientists. No doubt this acceptance is due to the broad interpretation of such a term. Structure can refer to the organization of elements on a macro scale, such as in a laminated beam, as well as to the arrangement of cellulose molecules in the crystalline region of an elementary fibril. This presentation focuses on a structural domain that appears increasingly to be a critical one in wood behavior-ultrastructure. The spectrum of terminology that has been used in profusion during the “electron microscopic era” must first be defined so that confusion is minimized. Then a historical evolution of the field of wood ultrastructure can be presented to provide perspective. Structures that have been shown to affect or indeed to control certain processes can be identified. The role of a “non-structure”, the elusive transient capillary, can be illustrated. Microfibrillar organization and cell wall archictecture fall into the realm of ultrastructure as well. The past decade of research in wood science has been productive to a significant extent because of scanning electron microscopy and its accessory tools and techniques. The exploration of wood penetration by wood preservatives, pulping liquors and coatings using this approach has yielded much new evidence. One can speculate about the anticipated contributions of computer-driven SEM, stereology, STEM, and even higher resolution microscopy in the near future.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00366498
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