Changes in microstructure and stiffness of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL) sapwood degraded by Gloeophyllum trabeum and Trametes versicolor – Part II: anisotropic stiffness properties

Bader, T.K., Hofstetter, K., Alfredsen, G. and Bollmus, S. (2011) Changes in microstructure and stiffness of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL) sapwood degraded by Gloeophyllum trabeum and Trametes versicolor – Part II: anisotropic stiffness properties. Holzforschung, 66(2), pp. 199-206. (doi: 10.1515/HF.2011.153)

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Abstract

Fungal decay considerably affects the macroscopic mechanical properties of wood as a result of modifications and degradations in its microscopic structure. While effects on mechanical properties related to the stem direction are fairly well understood, effects on radial and tangential directions (transverse properties) are less well investigated. In the present study, changes of longitudinal elastic moduli and stiffness data in all anatomical directions of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) sapwood which was degraded by Gloeophyllum trabeum (brown rot) and Trametes versicolor (white rot) for up to 28 weeks have been investigated. Transverse properties were found to be much more deteriorated than the longitudinal ones. This is because of the degradation of the polymer matrix between the cellulose microfibrils, which has a strong effect on transverse stiffness. Longitudinal stiffness, on the other hand, is mainly governed by cellulose microfibrils, which are more stable agains fungal decay. G. trabeum (more active in earlywood) strongly weakens radial stiffness, whereas T. versicolor (more active in latewood) strongly reduces tangential stiffness. The data in terms of radial and tangential stiffnesses, as well as the corresponding anisotropy ratios, seem to be suitable as durability indicators of wood and even allow conclusions to be made on the degradation mechanisms of fungi.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:De Borst, Dr Karin
Authors: Bader, T.K., Hofstetter, K., Alfredsen, G., and Bollmus, S.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment
Journal Name:Holzforschung
Publisher:Walter de Gruyter
ISSN:0018-3830
ISSN (Online):1437-434X
Published Online:27 February 2012

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