Evaluation of Mechanical Properties and Surface Quality of Wood from Bosnia and Herzegovina Exposed to Outdoor Conditions

This study investigated the mechanical properties of beech(Fagus sylvatica L.)and fir(Abies alba)wood from Bosnia and Herzegovina under outdoor exposure.Samples were exposed for 3-month exposure to assess bending strength,color changes,and surface quality.Results showed outdoor exposure negatively affected mechanical properties,particularly in samples with extended finger joints,causing significant surface cracks in uncoated samples.Beech wood exhibited notable color changes under exposure,with approximately 50%darkening without coating compared to 25%under covered conditions.Coated samples displayed minimal color changes,affirming the efficacy of surface treatment.Fir wood exhibited a roughness of 8.264μm,while beechwood average roughness increased from 6.767 to 13.916μm after exposure,with micro-pore development affecting water performance.Microscopic analysis identified prevalent fungal colonies,including Penicillium,Aureobasidium,Sclerophoma,and Chaetomium,underscoring their role in organic matter decomposition.This study highlights the importance of wood exposure and treatment selection for various applications.

Adhesion of Technical Lignin-Based Non-Isocyanate Polyurethane Adhesives for Wood Bonding

Lignin is the most abundant aromatic natural polymer,and receiving great attention in replacing various petro-leum-based polymers.The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of technical lignin as a polyol for the synthesis of non-isocyanate polyurethane(NIPU)adhesives to substitute current polyurethane(PU)adhesives that have been synthesized with toxic isocyanate and polyols.Crude hardwood kraft lignin(C-HKL)was extracted from black liquor from a pulp mill followed by acetone fractionation to obtain acetone soluble-HKL(AS-HKL).Then,C-HKL,AS-HKL,and softwood sodium lignosulfonate(LS)were used for the synthesis of technical lignin-based NIPU adhesives through carbonation and polyamination and silane as a cross-linker.Their adhesion per-formance was determined for plywood.FTIR spectra showed the formation of urethane bonds and the reaction between lignin and silane.The NIPU adhesives prepared with C-HKL showed the highest adhesion strength among the three lignin-based NIPU adhesives.As the silane addition level increased,the adhesion strength of NIPU adhesives increased whereas formaldehyde emission decreased for all NIPU adhesives prepared.These results indicate that NIPU adhesives based on technical kraft lignin have a great potential as polyol for the synth-esis of bio-based NIPU adhesives for wood bonding.

Isolation of Microcrystalline Cellulose from Wood and Fabrication of Polylactic Acid(PLA)Based Green Biocomposites

An innovative microcrystalline cellulose(MCC)natural fibre powder-reinforced PLA biocomposite was investigated using the hand lay-up technique.The polymer matrix composite(PMC)samples were prepared by varying the weight percentages(wt.%)of both PLA matrix and MCC reinforcement:pure PLA/100:0,90:10,80:20,70:30,60:40 and 50:50 wt.%,respectively.From the results obtained,MCC powder,with its impressive aspect ratio,proved to be an ideal reinforcement for the PLA,exhibiting exceptional mechanical properties.It was evident that the 80:20 wt.%biocomposite sample exhibited the maximum improvement in the tensile,flexural,notched impact,compressive strength and hardness by 28.85%,20.00%,91.66%,21.53%and 35.82%,respectively compared to the pure PLA sample.Similarly,during the thermogravimetric analysis(TGA),the same 80:20 wt.%biocomposite sample showed a minimum weight loss of 20%at 400℃,among others.The morphological study using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy(FE-SEM)revealed that the uniform distribution of cellulose reinforcement in the PLA matrix actively improved the mechanical properties of the biocomposites,especially the optimal 80:20 wt.%sample.Importantly,it was evident that the optimal PLA/cellulose biocomposite sample could be a suitable and alternative sustainable,environmentally friendly and biodegradable material for semi/structural applications,replacing synthetic and traditional components.

Characterization of Curing and Bonding of Wood with Adhesive Mixtures of Liquefied Wood and Hexamethylenediamine

Various crosslinking agents can be added to the formulations of natural-based adhesives for wood bonding in order to achieve better durability and higher strength of the formed joints.In the present study,the effect of hexamethylenediamine(HMDA)addition on the performance of liquefied wood(LW)adhesive for wood bonding is investigated.Differential scanning calorimetry showed the improved thermal stability and crosslinking of the LW adhesive with HMDA.The intensified presence of amide linkages(C–N bonds)was found in LW+HMDA with attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.Analysis of the bonded joints using an automated bonding evaluation system showed that a higher press temperature resulted in stronger bonds for both types of adhesives.Moreover,the addition of HMDA to LW adhesive improved the bond strength of the joints and accelerated the crosslinking of the adhesive.However,with a tensile shear strength of(6.76±2.16)N×mm^(−2)(for LW)and(6.89±2.10)N×mm^(−2)(for LW+HMDA),both adhesives were found to be unsuitable for interior non-structural use.In addition,the acidity of LW resulted in relatively high wood failure(70%)in the adhesive joints tested.Improved crosslinking of LW with HMDA was reflected in improved resistance of LW+HMDA adhesive joints to water degradation.In conclusion,HMDA is a promising additive for improving the adhesive performance of LW adhesives.

Water Absorption Capacity and Coating Adhesion on Thermally Modified and Not-Modified Spruce Wood(Blue Stained or Free of Blue Stained)

This study aimed to investigate the water absorption capacity of thermally modified and non-modified spruce and blue-stained spruce wood.The wettability of wood depends on various factors,including its type,density,porosity,and surface treatment.Wood can swell and become distorted when exposed to water or humidity,impacting its structural integrity.Hence,it is crucial to consider the water and water vapour uptake in the wood when choosing materials for applications that are likely to be exposed to moisture.Various moisture absorption tests were conducted to assess water absorption capacity,including short-term and long-term water absorption and water vapour absorption.The results showed a significant difference in the long-term exposure to water,which was related to the density of the wood.The study examined the influence of thermal treatment on the physical properties of wood and observed significant variations in mass change due to coating,indicating differences in adhesion among different wood types.Vacuum-treated blue-stained Norway spruce demonstrated higher adhesion(5%–15%)compared to air-treated samples.Furthermore,cohesion tests revealed lower cohesion force in blue-stained Norway spruce(approximately 20%–30%)compared to Norway spruce.The study also used industry-standard tests to investigate the adhesion and cohesion of nano-coatings on wood surfaces.The results provided valuable information on the properties of coatings applied to wood,which is vital in protecting and decorating wood while also providing preventive protection against wood pests,weathering,and mechanical influences.Wood modification in vacuum involves subjecting the wood to a low-pressure environment to remove air and moisture,allowing for deeper and more uniform penetration of treatment chemicals.In contrast,wood modification in air relies on the natural circulation of air to facilitate the absorption of chemical treatments,without the need for a vacuum chamber.

A Primary Study on Mechanical Properties of Heat-Treated Wood via in-situ Synthesis of Calcium Carbonate

This study aims to improve the value of fast-growing wood and extend the heat-treated wood utilization using inorganic calcium carbonate(CaCO_(3))crystals via an in-situ synthesis method.CaCl_(2)and Na 2CO_(3)solutions with a concentration ratio of 1:1 were successively introduced into the thermally modified poplar wood obtained by steam heat treatment(HT)at 200℃for 1.5 and 3 h,resulting in the in-situ synthesis of CaCO_(3)crystals inside the heat-treated wood.The filling effect was best at the concentration of 1.2 mol/L.CaCO_(3)was uniformly distributed in the cell cavities of the heat-treated wood,and some of the crystals were embedded in the fissures of the wood cell walls.The morphology of CaCO_(3)crystals was mainly spherical and rhombic polyhedral.Three main types of CaCO_(3)crystals were calcite,vaterite,and aragonite.The HT of poplar wood at 200℃resulted in degrading the chemical components of the wood cell wall.This degradation led to reduced wood mechanical properties,including the surface hardness(HD),modulus of rupture(MOR),and modulus of elasticity(MOE).After CaCO_(3)was in-situ synthesized in the heat-treated wood,the HD increased by 18.36%and 16.35%,and MOR increased by 14.64%and 8.89%,respectively.Because of the CaCO_(3)synthesization,the char residue of the 200℃heat-treated wood samples increased by 9.31%and the maximum weight loss rate decreased by 19.80%,indicating that the filling with CaCO_(3)cannot only improve the mechanical properties of the heat-treated wood but also effectively enhance its thermal stability.

Water Evaporation Triggered Self-Assembly of MXene on Non-Carbonized Wood with Well-Aligned Channels as Size-Customizable Free-Standing Electrode for Supercapacitors

Herein,non-carbonized wood-based electrodes and separators with well-aligned channels and excellent mechanical properties are developed for supercapacitors.To enhance the conductivity and boost the capacitance,Ti_(3)C_(2)(MXene)nanosheets with high electrical conductivity and excellent electrochemical activity are loaded into the wood cells via self-assembly triggered by fast evaporating water in Ti_(3)C_(2)suspension.By the assistance of positive charged polydopamine microspheres with large surface area,the self-restacking of Ti_(3)C_(2)nanosheets can be avoided and the high mass loading(50 wt%)can be achieved due to the extra driving force for Ti_(3)C_(2)absorption.Benefiting from the conductive Ti_(3)C_(2)nanosheets with massive active sites and the multiple well-aligned channels in wood with efficient transportation pathways for charge carriers,the as-designed free-standing electrode shows a large areal capacitance of 1060 mF cm^(-2)at 0.5 mA cm^(-2)and high capacitance retention of 67%at 10 mA cm^(-2).Also,this electrode is highly size-customizable,showing a good ability to be industrially processed into various shapes and dimensions.Furthermore,an all-wood based supercapacitor with Ti_(3)C_(2)/wood composites as two layers of electrodes and a wood slice as the separator is fabricated,presenting a high energy density of 10.5μW h cm^(-2)at 389.9μW cm^(-2).

The Characteristics of Glued Tensile Shear Strength Constituted of Wood Cut by CO_(2) Laser

The performance of engineered wood products is highly associated with proper bonding and an efficient cutting method.This paper investigates the influence of CO_(2) laser cutting on the wetting properties,the modified che-mical component of the laser-cut surface,and the strength and adhesive penetration near the bondline.Beech-wood is cut by the laser with varying processing parameters,cutting speeds,gas pressures,and focal point positions.The laser-cut samples were divided into two groups,sanded and non-sanded samples.Polyvinyl acetate adhesive(PVAc)was used to bond the groups of laser-cut samples.After assembly with cold pressing,the tensile shear test was carried out.Numerical modelling was carried out to determine the partial elongation and shear strain of the glue line.Based on this,the shear modulus and linear elasticity of the glue line were estimated.Scan-ning electron microscopy was used to assess the adhesive penetration into the porosity structure of the laser-cut samples,and the depth of the heat-affected zone.The laser-cut surface was analysed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.The wetting properties of the laser-cut surface were investigated by using a contact angle goni-ometer.The numerical model of the strain-stress curve confirmed the experimental model.The highest modulus of the linear elasticity of the glue in the numerical calculation belongs to the joint containing laser-cut samples at a gas pressure of 21(bar).The penetration depth of PVAc adhesive into the porosity structure of the laser-cut sam-ples was similar to that of sawn samples.The deepest heat-affected zone in the laser-cut samples was 150µm.A PVAc drop disappeared immediately on the laser-cut surface without sanding,but gradually on the sanded surface.In contrast,the drop on the sawn surface remained with an angle of 32°–48°.The degradation of hemi-cellulose and lignin was proven by the lower intensity of the C=O and C-O Bonds,compared to the sawn surface.

Color and Gloss Changes of a Lignin-Based Polyurethane Coating under Accelerated Weathering

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the properties of polyurethane coatings based on lignin nano-particles.For this purpose,the prepared coatings were applied to pine wood surfaces and weathered artificially.Subsequently,color and gloss of the coatings were measured before and after the weathering test.Field emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM)micrographs prepared from the coatings showed that the average size of nano-particles in the polyurethane substrate was approximately 500 nm.Nuclear magnetic resonance(13C-NMR)spectroscopy showed that strong urethane bonds were formed in the nano-lignin-based polyurethane.Differential calorimetric analysis(DSC)test revealed that the glass-transition temperature(Tg)of lignin nanoparticles modified with diethylenetriamine(DETA)was 112.8℃ and Tg of lignin nano-particles modified with ethylenediamine(EDA)was 102.5℃,which is lower than the Tg of un-modified lignin(114.6℃)and lignin modified with DETA(126.8℃)and lignin modified with EDA(131.3℃).The coatings modified with lignin nano-particles had a greater change in gloss.The lignin nano-particles in the modified coating are trapping hydroxyl radicals which reduces photoactivity and yellowing of the polyurethane by about 3 times compared to unmodified polyurethane coatings.After weathering test,the nano-lignin-based coating had a rougher surface with a lower contact angle(0.78°)compared to the unmodified polyurethane coating(0.85°).

Exploring impacts of COVID-19 on spatial and temporal patterns of visitors to Canadian Rocky Mountain National Parks from social media big data

COVID-19 posed challenges for global tourism management.Changes in visitor temporal and spatial patterns and their associated determinants pre-and peri-pandemic in Canadian Rocky Mountain National Parks are analyzed.Data was collected through social media programming and analyzed using spatiotemporal analysis and a geographically weighted regression(GWR)model.Results highlight that COVID-19 significantly changed park visitation patterns.Visitors tended to explore more remote areas peri-pandemic.The GWR model also indicated distance to nearby trails was a significant influence on visitor density.Our results indicate that the pandemic influenced tourism temporal and spatial imbalance.This research presents a novel approach using combined social media big data which can be extended to the field of tourism management,and has important implications to manage visitor patterns and to allocate resources efficiently to satisfy multiple objectives of park management.

Mono Ethanol Amine (MEA) Pulping of Wheat Straw: An Environmentally Friendly Suggestion for the Fluff Pulp Production

This research aimed to investigate the effect of pulping conditions and refining intensities of wheat straw to be recommended for fluff pulp production.For this purpose,mono ethanol amine(MEA)was selected as a de-lignification agent at three levels of 50:50,25:75,and 15:85(MEA/water,W/V%),and soda-AQ 14 W/V%was used as a reference pulping.To investigate the optimal refining intensity,the obtained pulp was passed through a single disk laboratory refiner from 0 to 6 times and in two different consistencies(1.5 and 2.5 W/V%).Total yield,kappa number,ash content,and the Schopper-Riegler(SR°)freeness of the prepared pulps were investigated.Finally,hand sheets with a targeted basic weight of 70 g/m^(2) were made according to the related standards.The hand sheets were characterized using Fourier transform infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy and a field emission scanning electron microscope(FE-SEM).Sheet density,brightness,and mechanical properties such as burst,tensile,and tear indices were also investigated.The FE-SEM photographs showed that the texture of the hand sheet became denser as the refining intensity increased.External fibrillation on the surface of the fibers was also observed,especially on those refined with 2.5%consistency.The results of the chemical composition of wheat straw indicated that wheat straw containing a high percentage of holocellulose is an excellent candidate for the production of fluff pulp.The total yield and kappa number of MEA pulps increased with the decrease in MEA concentration.FTIR results indicated the presence of a peak related to amino groups in the pulp related to MEA pulp.The results also indicated that the mechanical properties of the papers,except for the tear index,were enhanced as the intensity of refining and the pulp consistency during refining increased.

Characteristics of Biopellets Manufactured from Various Lignocellulosic Feedstocks as Alternative Renewable Energy Sources

The increased valorization of renewable and cost-effective lignocellulosic feedstocks represents a viable,sustainable,and eco-friendly approach toward the production of biopellets as alternative energy sources.The aim of this research work was to investigate and evaluate the feasibility of using various lignocellulosic raw materials,i.e.,raru(Cotylelobium melanoxylon),mangrove(Rhizophora spp.),sengon(Paraserianthes falcataria),kemenyan toba(Styrax sumatrana),oil palm(Elaeis guineensis),manau rattan(Calamus manan),and belangke bamboo(Gigantochloa pruriens)for manufacturing biopellets with different particle sizes.The raw materials used were tested for their moisture content,specific gravity,ash,cellulose,and lignin content.In addition,thermal analyses,i.e.,calorific values,thermogravimetric analysis(TGA),and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),were performed.The following properties of the biopellets produced were investigated:moisture content,volatile matter,ash content,fixed carbon,density,and thermal analyses.Based on an analysis of the raw materials,raru had the lowest moisture content(12%)and ash content(1.5%)and the highest specific gravity(1.2).Markedly,palm oil stem had the highestα-cellulose(55%)and lignin(37%)content.In accordance with the SNI 8675:2018 standard requirements,biopellets with optimal properties(moisture content of 1.4%,ash content of 0.79%,density of 1.09 g/m^(3),calorific value of 4672 cal/g,and TGA residue of 13.9%),were manufactured from raru wood.

Thermo-Mechanical, Physico-Chemical, Morphological, and Fire Characteristics of Eco-Friendly Particleboard Manufactured with Phosphorylated Lignin Addition

Lignin,lignosulfonate,and synthesized phosphorylated lignosulfonate were introduced as greenfillers in citric acid-sucrose adhesives for bonding particleboard fabricated from areca leaf sheath(ALS).The characteristics of particleboards were compared to that of ultralow emitting formaldehyde(ULEF-UF).Thefillers derived from Eucalyptus spp.kraft-lignin were added forflame retardancy enhancement.10%of each lignin and modified lig-nin was added into the ULEF-UF and citric acid-sucrose bonded particleboards.Analyses applied to particle-boards included thermal characteristics,X-ray diffraction analysis(XRD),morphological properties,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),as well as physical,mechanical,andfire resistance characteristics of the laboratory-fabricated particleboards.Lignin and modified lignin resulted in improved thermal stability of the composites bonded with ULEF-UF while the improvement in the particleboard bonded with citric acid-sucrose was not significant.The introduction offiller exerted a higher influence on the UF-bonded particleboards compared to composites fabricated with citric acid-sucrose.Generally,the presence of lignin,lignosulfonate,and phosphorylated lignosulfonate enhanced the mechanical strength of the ULEF-bonded particleboards,although their dimensional stability has deteriorated.Markedly,the use of lignin and lignosulfonate enhanced thefire resis-tance of the particleboards produced with lower observed weight loss.All laboratory particleboards exhibited satisfactoryfire resistance,attaining a V-0 rating in according to the UL-94 standard.

Traditional Use of Medicinal Plants Confirmed by the Baka in Southern and Eastern Cameroon

The limitations of biomedecine to provide effective solutions to certain pandemics has led many people to turn to alternative therapies. These palliative solutions, particularly phytomedecines, are much sought after for disease prevention and treatment. The Baka, a group of forest-dwelling people, hold knowledge on how wild plants can be effective in treating many illnesses. However, the greatest challenge for the identification of traditional medicines depends on the veracity of the information provided during ethnobotanic surveys by user populations. The present study describes forest plants used by the Baka and confirmed by them as being employed for traditional medicine. We carried out ethnobotanical surveys between 2019 and 2021 in 221 households within four districts of the Eastern and Southern Region of Cameroon. We used indices of significant use and performance applied to all mentioned species, alongside searches in the literature. The statistical tools used to distinguish the different groups/districts is Pearson’s X2 test. A total of 378 plant species were identified of 270 genera and 85 families. Ethnobotanical indices allowed to identify the most confirmed and efficient plants for several health problems. A pairwise comparison of these indices showed a significant correlation with a p-value < 2.2e-16 and a dissimilarity distance less than 0.5. Some plants selected are widely cited in other regions and/or countries for the same health problems. The presence of active molecules responsible for their biological activity was also proven, justifying their use in traditional medicine. This paper examines the potential to enhance the value of Cameroon’s pharmacopeia by integrating various ethnobotanical indices. It aims to discover new therapeutic molecules and develop improved traditional products from the diverse plant species documented. The findings indicate opportunities to advance both local and global healthcare solutions.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Horns Sheaths Particles for the Manufacture of Composite Materials

Salvaged cow horns from slaughterhouses have been transformed into fine particles for a physical characterization that has led us to determine the humidity rate (2.34% ± 0.054%), the actual density situated between 0.586 g/cm3 and 0.732 g/cm3, the swelling rate (12%), and one chemical characterization that permitted us to determine the rate of dry matters (97.05%), of mineral matters (2.5%), of protein matters (94.52%). From these weak values, it can easily be seen that cow horn case doesn’t absorb much water and improve the mechanical characteristics of the composite;the high rate of protein shows that keratin which is the structural molecule favors its gripping as reinforcing element in the manufacturing of composite materials.

Supervised Learning Method: Critical Analysis and Updating of Cubing Rate Formulas for Determining Bark Masses of Prunus africana (Hook. f.) Kalkman (Rosaceae) in Cameroon

The stem barks of Prunus africana are used in the treatment of the benign prostate. Cameroon is one of the important exporters of the barks. Despite the important measures adopted in Cameroon for sustaining its harvesting, some many chalenges still remain. The objective of this work is to refine the forest management parameters in relation to P. africana in the regions of Adamaoua and the South-West by developing a volume rate which makes it possible to estimate the production for a new stem. The work took place in two phases: in the South-West in 2010 and in Adamaoua in 2011. Data collection used the semi-direct method, while the cubing equation was deduced by the multiple linear regression method. Two models for volume estimation and three models for mass prediction were developed. The predictive parameters retained are diameter, height of the bole and thickness of the bark. Results show that the average mass of the dry bark for a given P. africana tree species is 27.55 ± 14.44 kg and this varies according to the site. The strong adjusted coefficient of determination (adjusted R2) observed illustrates the reliability of the proposed models. These models provide a reliable tool that can be adopted as a standard in Cameroon for P. africana.

Cement-bonded particleboard with a mixture of wheat straw and poplar wood

We investigated the hydration behavior and some physical/mechanical properties of cement-bonded particleboard （CBPB） containing particles of wheat straw and poplar wood at various usage ratios and bonded with Portland cement mixed with different levels of inorganic additives. We determined the setting time and compression strength of cement pastes containing different additives and particles, and studied the effects of these additives and particles on thickness swelling, internal bond strength and modulus of rupture of CBPB by using RSM （Response Surface Methodology）. The mathematical model equations （second-order response functions） were derived to optimize properties of CBPB by computer simulation programming. Predicted values were in agreement with experimental values （R2 values of 0.93, 0.96 and 0.96 for TS, IB and MOR, respectively）. RSM can be efficiently applied to model panel properties. The variables can affect the properties of panels. The cement composites with bending strength 〉 12.5 MPa and internal bond strength 〉 0.28 MPa can be made by using wheat straw as a reinforcing material. Straw particle usage up to 11.5% in the mixture satisfies the minimum requirements of International Standard, EN 312 （2003） for IB and MOR. The dose of 4.95% calcium chloride, by weight of cement, can improve mechanical properties of the panels at the minimum requirement of EN 312. By increasing straw content from 0 to 30%, TS was reduced by increasing straw particle usage up to 1.5% and with 5.54% calcium chloride in the mixture, TS satisfied the EN 312 standard.

Use of amino silane coupling agent to improve physical and mechanical properties of UF-bonded wheat straw(Triticum aestivum L.) poplar wood particleboard

We evaluated the potential use of amino silane coupling agent （SiNH） to improve physical and mechanical properties of UF-bonded wheat straw （Triticurn aestivum L.） poplar wood particleboard. We examined the effects of varied content of silane coupling agent content and ratios of straw to poplar wood particles on particleboard prop- erties. The ratios of straw to poplar wood particles were 100：0, 85：15, 70：30 and 55：45. Silane coupling agent content was tested at three levels, 0, 5 and 10 %. The experimental panels were tested for their mechanical strength, including modulus of elasticity （MOE）, modulus of rupture （MOR）, intemal bonding （IB） and physical properties according to procedures specified in DIN 68763 （Chipboard for special purposes in building construction： concepts, requirements, testing, 1982-03, 1982）. All board properties were improved by the addition of silane cou- pling agent. The use of poplar wood particles had a positive effect on the mechanical properties of wheat straw parti- cleboard but had a negative effect on physical properties （thickness swelling and water absorption）.

Estimation of demand for wood panels in Iran by the year of 2012.

Considering increasing rate of Iran population and consumption of wood panels, the authors investigated the per capita consump- tion of wood panels during the years from 1997 to 2007. The exponential smoothing method was used to obtain a per capita consumption panern of wood panels in lran for estimating demand of wood panels by the year of 2012. Results show that the consumption of particleboard, fiberboard, and medium density fiberboard in lran will increase by 33%, 72% and 107 %o, respectively, by the year of 2012; however, the consumption of plywood will increase only by 7% by 2012. The deficient amount of wood panels in Iran is estimated over 1400 000 m^3. The results of this study provide the technique reference for planners of wood panel industries in Iran in capital investment decisions.

Effect of moisture and fungal exposure on the mechanical properties of hem-fir plywood

Hem-fir plywood were exposed to two brown rot fungi, Gloeophyllum trabeum and Postia placenta, and one white rot fungus, Trametes versicolor, to investigate the effect of fungal decay on mechanical properties of plywood. Results showed that modulus of rupture （MOR） and modulus of elasticity （MOE） of hem-fir plywood declined significantly by inoculating fungi, and weight loss of sample had a modest decrease. The fungi also made a greater effect on MOR than on MOE. Of three fungi, Postia placenta caused a most significant weight loss, and Gloeophyllum trabeum resulted in a largest flexural properties loss. Substantial declines in MOR and MOE of hem-fir plywood were also observed when the plywood samples were stored under wet conditions over 15 weeks, even in the absence of fungal attack.