Holzschutz-CT
Characterization of penetration and distribution of protection systems in wood by X-ray based Micro Computed Tomography
Wood is a complex and three-dimensionally (3D) structured material. Understanding the penetration and distribution of protection systems into the complex wood structure is crucial for outdoor wood applications. In order to increase the durability of wood, treatment with chemical protection systems is a common method. However, the distribution in the wood is not always homogeneous, which may result in uneven protection against degradation by microorganisms (e.g. fungi). This is especially the case for hardwoods. The reasons for heterogenous distribution have not yet been fully clarified, but preliminary causes owing to the underlying structure of wood, and to the storage of chemical substances in wood have been found.
In this project, for the structural characterization of the penetration and distribution of protection systems in wood, non-destructive, 3D micro-computed tomography (μCT) is used. In addition to this imaging method, conventional methods such as light and electron microscopy are also used. Due to the novelty of the μCT-technique, the μCT-technique will be used in parallel with tomographic investigations to not only characterise the penetration and distribution of protection systems in wood, but also to characterise the 3D anatomy of the wood, both before and after fungal attack.