| 1. |
- Adamopoulos, Stergios
(author)
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Acoustic emission monitoring of wood materials and timber structures: A critical review
- 2022
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In: Construction and Building Materials. - : Elsevier BV. - 0950-0618. ; 350
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The growing interest in timber construction and using more wood for civil engineering applications has given highlighted importance of developing non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods for structural health monitoring and quality control of wooden construction. This study, critically reviews the acoustic emission (AE) method and its applications in the wood and timber industry. Various other NDE methods for wood monitoring such as infrared spectroscopy, stress wave, guided wave propagation, X-ray computed tomography and thermography are also included. The concept and experimentation of AE are explained, and the impact of wood properties on AE signal velocity and energy attenuation is discussed. The state-of-the-art AE monitoring of wood and timber structures is organized into six applications: (1) wood machining monitoring; (2) wood drying; (3) wood fracture; (4) timber structural health monitoring; (5) termite infestation monitoring; and (6) quality control. For each application, the opportunities that the AE method offers for in-situ monitoring or smart assessment of wood-based materials are discussed, and the challenges and direction for future research are critically outlined. Overall, compared with structural health monitoring of other materials, less attention has been paid to data-driven methods and machine learning applied to AE monitoring of wood and timber. In addition, most studies have focused on extracting simple time-domain features, whereas there is a gap in using sophisticated signal processing and feature engineering techniques. Future research should explore the sensor fusion for monitoring full-scale timber buildings and structures and focus on applying AE to large-size structures containing defects. Moreover, the effectiveness of AE methods used for wood composites and mass timber structures should be further studied.
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| 2. |
- Ahmed, Sheikh Ali, Senior Lecturer, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Anatomical, Physical, Chemical, and Biological Durability Properties of Two Rattan Species of Different Diameter Classes
- 2022
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In: Forests. - Switzerland : MDPI. - 1999-4907. ; 13:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Rattan cane is an important forest product with economic value. Its anatomical, physical, and biological properties vary with the cane height. This makes it difficult to select the appropriate cane diameter for harvesting. Understanding the material properties of rattan cane with different diameter sizes is important to enhance its utilization and performance for different end uses. Thus, the present study was performed on two rattan species, Calamus zollingeri and Calamus ornatus, at two different cane heights (bottom/mature and top/juvenile). Calamus zollingeri was studied at diameter classes of 20 mm and 30 mm, while Calamus ornatus was analyzed at a diameter class of 15 mm. The anatomical properties, basic density, volumetric swelling, dynamic moisture sorption, and biological durability of rattan samples were studied. The results showed that C. zollingeri with a 20 mm diameter exhibited the highest basic density, hydrophobicity, dimensional stability, and durability against mold and white-rot (Trametes versicolor) fungi. As confirmed by anatomical studies, this could be due to the higher vascular bundle frequency and longer thick-walled fibers that led to a denser structure than in the other categories. In addition, the lignin content might have a positive effect on the mass loss of different rattan canes caused by white-rot decay.
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| 3. |
- Ahmed, Sheikh Ali, Senior Lecturer, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Micro-Fibrillated Cellulose in Lignin–Phenol–Formaldehyde Adhesives for Plywood Production
- 2023
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In: Forests. - Switzerland : MDPI. - 1999-4907. ; 14:11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Petrochemical-based phenol–formaldehyde (PF) adhesives are widely used in plywood production. To substitute phenol in the synthesis of PF adhesives, lignin can be added due to its structural similarity to phenol. Moreover, micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) can further enhance the bond performance, mechanical properties, and toughness of adhesive systems. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the adhesion performance of lignin–PF (LPF) adhesives reinforced with MFC. In LPF formulations, three levels of MFC (0, 15, and 30 wt% based on the total solid content of adhesives) were added to the homogenous adhesive mixture. Three-layer plywood panels from birch (Betula pendula Roth.) veneers were assembled after hot pressing at 130 °C under two pressing durations, e.g., 60 and 75 s/mm. Tensile shear strength was measured at dry (20 °C and 65% RH) and wet conditions (water soaked at room temperature for 24 h). The results indicated that the addition of lignin reduced the strength of LPF adhesives in both dry and wet conditions compared to the control PF adhesive. However, MFC reinforcement enhanced the shear strength properties of the plywood. Furthermore, a longer pressing time of 75 s/mm slightly increased the shear strength.
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| 4. |
- Ahmed, Sheikh Ali, Senior Lecturer, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Prediction of mechanical performance of acetylated MDF at different humid conditions
- 2020
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In: Applied Sciences. - Switzerland : MDPI. - 2076-3417. ; 10:23, s. 1-16
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Change of relative humidity (RH) in surrounding environment can greatly affect the physical and mechanical properties of wood-based panels. Commercially produced acetylated medium density fiberboard (MDF), Medite Tricoya®, was used in this study to predict strength and stiffness under varying humid conditions by separating samples in parallel (//) and perpendicular (⊥) to the sanding directions. Thickness swelling, static moduli of elasticity (MOEstat) and rupture (MORstat), and internal bond (IB) strength were measured at three different humid conditions, i.e., dry (35% RH), standard (65% RH) and wet (85% RH). Internal bond (IB) strength was also measured after accelerated aging test. A resonance method was used to determine dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEdyn) at the aforementioned humid conditions. Linear regression and finite element (FE) analyses were used to predict the MDF’s static bending behavior. Results showed that dimensional stability, MOEstat, MORstat and IB strength decreased significantly with an increase in RH. No reduction of IB strength was observed after 426 h of accelerated aging test. A multiple regression model was established using MOEdyn and RH values to predict MOEstat and MORstat. In both directions (// and ⊥), highly significant relationships were observed. The predicted and the measured values of MOEstat and MORstat were satisfactorily related to each other, which indicated that the developed model can be effectively used for evaluating the strength and stiffness of Medite Tricoya® MDF samples at any humid condition. Percent errors of two different simulation techniques (standard and extended FE method) showed highly efficient way of simulating the MDF structures with low fidelity.
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| 5. |
- Ahmed, Sheikh Ali, Senior Lecturer, 1977-, et al.
(author)
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Resonance and time-of-flight methods for evaluating the modulus of elasticity of particleboards at different humid conditions
- 2020
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In: Wood research. - Slovakia : Slovak Forest Products Research Institute. - 1336-4561. ; 65:3, s. 365-380
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Non-destructive testing of wood panels by either resonance or time-of-flight (TOF) methods provides possibilities for predicting their static bending properties. In the present study, three non-destructive devices (BING - Beam Identification by Non-destructive Grading by CIRAD, Montpellier, France, Fakopp Ultrasonic Timer and Sylvatest TRIO) were used for measuring the dynamic stiffness of different particleboard types. Fakopp Ultrasonic Timer and Sylvatest TRIO produce ultrasonic pulses to measure the sound velocity while BING uses resonance frequencies. Commercially produced particleboards with different thickness and densities were used to measure the dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEdyn) in two directions (parallel and perpendicular to the production line) and at three different humidity levels (dry - 35%, standard - 65% and wet - 85% RH in constant temperature of 20°C ). MOEdyn of particleboards were correlated with the static moduli of elasticity (MOEstat) and rupture (MORstat). It was found that the non-destructive methods gave higher MOEdyn values in both production directions than that of MOEstat values. MOEdyn was found to decrease from dry to wet conditions. A very strong and statistically significant correlation existed between MOEdyn and static bending properties. MOEdyn correlated stronger to MOEstat than MORstat. At different humidity level, all three methods- Fakopp Ultrasonic Timer, BING and Sylvatest TRIO analyses showed good predicting capabilities to estimate MOEstat and MORstat of different particleboard types with high level of accuracy.
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| 6. |
- Amiandamhen, Stephen, 1983-, et al.
(author)
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Bioenergy production and utilization in different sectors in Sweden: A state of the art review
- 2020
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In: BioResources. - : University of North Carolina Press. - 1930-2126. ; 15:4, s. 9834-9857
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In the continual desire to reduce the environmental footprints of human activities, research efforts to provide cleaner energy is increasingly becoming vital. The effect of climate change on present and future existence, sustainable processes, and utilizations of renewable resources have been active topics within international discourse. In order to reduce the greenhouse gases emissions from traditional materials and processes, there has been a shift to more environmental friendly alternatives. The conversion of biomass to bioenergy, including biofuels has been considered to contribute to the future of climate change mitigation, although there are concerns about carbon balance from forest utilization. Bioenergy accounts for more than one-third of all energy used in Sweden and biomass has provided about 60% of the fuel for district heating. Apart from heat and electricity supply, the transport sector, with about 30% of global energy use, has a significant role in a sustainable bioenergy system. This review presents the state of the art in the Swedish bioenergy sector based on literature and Swedish Energy Agency’s current statistics. The review also discusses the overall bioenergy production and utilization in different sectors in Sweden. The current potential, challenges, and environmental considerations of bioenergy production are also discussed.
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| 7. |
- Amiandamhen, Stephen, 1983-, et al.
(author)
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Recycling sawmilling wood chips, biomass combustion residues, and tyre fibres into cement-bonded composites : Properties of composites and life cycle analysis
- 2021
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In: Construction and Building Materials. - : Elsevier Ltd. - 0950-0618 .- 1879-0526. ; 297
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study investigated the properties and sustainability of cement-bonded composites containing industrial residues such as wood chips, tyre fibres and biomass combustion residues, i.e. bottom ash (BA) and fly ash (FA). The effect of cement-to-raw material (wood/tyre fibre) ratio (C/RM) and the aggregate content (BA and FA) on thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and life cycle analysis (LCA) were also conducted. The results revealed that as the aggregate content increased in wood composites, the mechanical properties also increased. The mean thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity of tyre composite samples were 0.37 W/mK and 1.2 MJ/m3K respectively, while the respective values for wood composite samples were 0.29 W/mK and 0.81 MJ/m3K. SEM analysis showed adequate bonding between wood/tyre fibres and cement matrix. LCA revealed that the materials share of the total primary energy use was about 60% for all analysed composites. © 2021 The Author(s)
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| 8. |
- Balducci, Francesco, et al.
(author)
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A formaldehyde-free adhesive for particleboards based on soy flour, magnesium oxide, and a plant-derived enzymatic hydrolysate
- 2020
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In: BioResources. - : North Carolina State University. - 1930-2126. ; 15:2, s. 3087-3102
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- An adhesive for particleboards based on natural materials was prepared. Soy flour (38.9 wt%), magnesium oxide (MgO) (2.8 wt%), and a hydrolysate from an agricultural crop (13.9 wt%) were mixed with water and ground in a ball mill at 44% solids. The solubility and interaction of the soy flour proteins and the proteins contained in the plant hydrolysate were triggered by the strong basic environment created by MgO in the presence of water. The natural adhesive appeared to be thermally stable at temperatures from 130 °C to 240 °C, with unchanged mass and no major signals in the thermal analysis curves. These results, together with a viscosity of 510 Pa·s at 25 °C, suggested a good operability of the adhesive. Three-layered particleboards were manufactured with weight combinations of natural adhesive and polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin (PAE) of 0%:100%, 33%:67%, 50%:50%, 67%:33%, and 100%:0%. The natural adhesive showed inferior internal bond strength and poor water resistance compared with urea-formaldehyde-bonded boards. Addition of the PAE significantly improved the internal bond and swelling, and for all the combinations these properties were comparable or, in most cases, better than in the urea-formaldehyde controls. All boards were formaldehyde-free, while the natural adhesive itself released no dangerous volatile substances
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| 9. |
- Bütün Buschalsky, Fahriye Yağmur, et al.
(author)
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Geometric changes of TMP fibres due to thermo-hydrolytic disintegration of waste MDF evaluated by three fibre analysers
- 2024
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In: Wood Material Science & Engineering. - England : Taylor & Francis Group. - 1748-0272 .- 1748-0280. ; , s. 1-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Thermo-hydrolytic disintegration of medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is a promising method for recovering fibres. This process, however, may affect the geometry and size distribution of the applied fibres initially obtained by thermomechanical pulping (TMP), and thus, the properties of MDF produced thereof. Optical methods based on image acquisition are increasingly common for geometrical characterisation to assess fibre quality. In this study, we analysed the size distribution of recovered fibres (RF) obtained by thermo-hydrolytic disintegration of urea–formaldehyde-bonded waste MDF and subsequent hammer-milling by using three optical fibre analysers, FibreShape Pro, QICPIC and Valmet FS5, while comparing them to virgin fibres (VF). The analysers use different evaluation methods and therefore gave different absolute values. Thus, size distributions could not be directly compared. Nevertheless, the results provided an indication of the changes that occurred during the manufacturing and recycling process. The RF displayed a similar fibre geometry to the VF, in spite of process-related shortening. Mean fibre length and length-based distribution of the VF were always greater than those of the RF, while fibre width of the hammer-milled RF was slightly greater than that of the VF. The analysers, however, provided substantially different results, especially between FibreShape Pro and QICPIC, although the general tendencies observed for the process-related changes were consistent. It can be concluded that the thermo-hydrolytic disintegration applied to the UF-bonded MDF did not cause any substantial changes in fibre geometry (i.e. fibre shortening). All fibre analysers are capable of detecting these changes, but the absolute values provided can vary widely between the instruments.
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| 10. |
- Fagerberg, Nils, 1972-
(author)
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Individual-tree-selection in uneven-sized Norway spruce stands in southern Sweden : Developments of tools for simulation and optimization
- 2022
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Individual-tree-selection (ITS) is a continuous cover forestry method that aims to utilize the uneven-sized stand structure through optimized individual tree selections. ITS is an interesting management alternative to rotation forestry in terms of production of multiple benefits and forest owner profitability. With regard to Fennoscandia, ITS is currently only practiced to a limited extent, partly because of a scarcity in knowledge and skills among all stakeholders, but also due to the shortage of scientific guidelines for how optimized tree selections are performed in practice. Thus, the aim of the thesis is to develop tools for optimizing practical ITS recommendations for Norway spruce.Tree position data for model fitting were collected from five trial sites in southern Sweden, one of which was documented with terrestrial laser scanning to get crown shape data for knot size modelling. A method that optimizes the target diameter dependent on the discount rate and the degree of the local competition exposed to the subject tree, was developed. Technically, a defined adaptive control function was optimized with full system stochastic simulation and with expected present value as the objective function variable. Since the quality of the optimization is dependent on the quality of the models in the simulation, priority was given to the evaluation and development of the central models. Available individual tree growth models were tested and evaluated with tree data from long term uneven-sized trial plots. Furthermore, new individual-tree distance-dependent growth models were developed for uneven-sized Norway spruce. A modelling framework, for prediction of the largest knot size per stem height section, was developed to provide means of simulating log quality depending on impact from local tree competitors.The results indicated that the thinning intensity in uneven-sized stand structures may be used to actively control the transition point where smaller diameter classes are subjected to suppressed growth. The evaluation of the Swedish individual-tree growth models which are included in the HEUREKA forest simulator, showed underestimation of large trees and overestimation of small trees. The underestimation is smaller or absent in denser forests for diameter classes above 40 cm. The new distance-dependent growth models are presented in two versions, one with and one without crown ratio as a predictor. The new growth models facilitate the testing of spatial decision criteria in ITS optimization. From the results of the ITS optimization, field operators can choose either a fixed level target diameteror a flexible target diameter that is adaptive to the degree of local competition surrounding the subject tree. Optimal fixed target diameters at breast height range from 33 cm to 23 cm depending on discount rate (1–3 %). A decision support structure for ITS is proposed.
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