Journal of Wood and Forest Science and Technology
Year:2021 | Volume:28 | Issue:2|Papers Count:8

Background and Objectives: The use of new materials with competitive features in the construction industry has always been considered. The stage of finishing and interior decoration is also considered an important part of this dynamic industry, which is closely related to the wood products industry. In this study, the optimal conditions for making decorative wood wool cement board were investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of water-based paint on the hardening of white cement and improve the quality of the bonding in this decorative panel using metal salts. Materials and Methods: The wood wool were first pretreated with hot salty water to remove the inhabitant compounds. For this purpose, the wood wool piles are mixed with white cement, accelerator (sodium chloride and calcium chloride), water and plastic paint in a certain ratio and after manual forming were placed in cold press for 20 minutes for initial compression. Then for initial setting of cement and reaching a thickness of 16 mm, it was placed in a secondary cold press for 18 hours. After leaving the cold press, the produced panels were conditioned for 28 days in order to completely setting the cement. Then their physical and mechanical properties were measured according to the relevant standards. Results: The results of this study showed that the best mechanical properties were related to panels made with calcium chloride and in these conditions the highest modulus of elasticity (MOE) was related to calcium chloride with a level of 5% equal to 1217. 9 MPa. In case of flexural strength (MOR) and internal bonding (IB), the highest results were observed in treatments with 3% Calcium chloride and was equal to 3. 7 and 0. 15 MPa, respectively. Also, the optimal conditions for improving the physical properties were determined by applying sodium chloride at the level of 5%, in that the water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS) were determined 7. 9% and 0. 43% respectively. Conclusion: By adding the paint to production process of wood wool cement board, the curing time was increased and caused reduction in some properties. But with adding metal salts, the curing rate was improved and the reduction in almost properties was compensated. Salt type had significant influence on properties like MOE, IB, WA24h and TS24hvwhile the effect of salt amount was only significant on MOE and WA24h. Regarding to the variety of application and special characteristics of WWCB, including sound absorption, dimensional stability, fire resistance, abundance and cheapness of raw materials, no complexity of the production process, no emission of toxic compounds such as formaldehyde, it could be suitable choice for decorative purposes in building industries.

Background and Objectives: All imported softwoods are called "Russian wood", in Iran. Despite the existence of domestic Persian terms for naming each individual conifer genius, they are known and traded by Russian names like "Sasna (С о с н а )", "Yulka (Ё л к а )", and "Leastvinitsa (Л и с т в е н н и ц а )" in the Iranian market. Although, practically, some wood sellers relate these Russian names to a specific genus or species but no systematic investigation has been done to verify it and there is huge confusion for consumers to obtain the right softwood. According to differences in applicability and end-use of different softwoods, not knowing the genus/species of purchased timber can be problematic. Hence, the aims of this research were to survey the sawn softwood market in Iran, in terms of abundance and identification of different woods. Materials and Methods: 25 different softwood pieces were collected from the Ports and Maritime Organization of Guilan as well as 10 big lumberyards in Tehran and Karaj. Those wood sellers who did not discriminate between softwood types and sell all of them under the general name of "Russian wood" were excluded. The collected woods were investigated macroscopically and after preparing microscopic slides and picturing, the anatomical features of samples were extracted according to the IAWA list of microscopic features for softwood identification. Then, genus or species of wood was identified based on the combination of proposed methods. Results: The most abundant softwoods in the Iran market were respectively, Yulka, Sasna, and Leastvinitsa while true fir was remarkably less common. Other than true fir, imported softwoods were in good accordance with the corresponding genus/species attributed to each Russian name. Eight out of ten Yulka samples were identified as Picea sp.; six out of seven Sasna samples were identified as Pinus sylvestris; and all of three Leastvinitsa pieces were of the species Larix sibirica. However, regarding true fir (Abies sp. ), considerable discrepancies existed. Some wood sellers entitled all purchasable softwoods as "fir" and did not discriminate between them. Among four sources who acknowledged that fir is an exclusive type of wood, half of the samples were actually pine. Conclusion: Macroscopic features of softwoods, e. g. color, texture, sheen or luster, size and frequency of resin canals, the transition from earlywood to latewood, and presence of pitch pockets in longitudinal planes are not reliable properties for wood identification and precise identification of these woods entitles a microscopic investigation. On a macroscopic scale, the only decisive feature is the presence/absence of the resin canals in the transverse plane, which can be used to easily isolate true fir from the rest of the softwoods in the Iran market. On a microscopic scale, Scots pine having big cross-field pitting can simply be separated from two other woods also bearing resin canals i. e. spruce and larch. However, two latter softwoods cannot readily be distinguished from each other. Overall, it can be concluded that although Russian names of softwoods in Iran are somewhat correctly applied to the corresponding sawn lumbers but popularizing equivalent long-lasting Persian terms is recommended to avoid confusion and discrepancies.

Background and purpose: This study aimed to extract, identify and compare the compounds in activated sludge treated with furfural and acetic acid. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS/GC), FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to identify the components of activated sludge. Materials and methods: For this purpose, test samples of activated sludge from Mazandaran Wood and Paper Factory were randomly selected and treated with furfural and acetic acid. According to TAPPI standard tests, the extractive materials were then separated/isolated from activated sludge flour by acetone solvent and the residual of the extractive materials were transferred to a glass vial and BSTFA reagent was added to it. After preparation, the samples were injected into GC-MS. The retention-time diagram, quartz coefficient calculation and Adams table were used to identify the compounds. Results: The results of gas chromatogram of the extractive materials of the test samples showed that in activated sludge, activated sludge treated in furfural and activated sludge treated with acetic acid, there are 59, 138, and 48 identifiable compounds, respectively. Comparison of chromatograms also showed that two bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and 2-methyl-naphthalene compounds were commonly present in 3 test samples. Squelin is one of the pure and mineral hydrocarbon oils of the identified in activated sludge treated with acetic acid at the rate of 2. 26%. According to chromatograms, alkanes have formed a remarkable percentage of all non-polar compounds in activated sludge and treated samples. The most abundant of these compounds are light to relatively heavy alkanes, which can be mentioned to compunds of Dodecane, 3-decane in activated sludge, nano-decane, hexadecane and octa-decane in activated sludge treated with acetic acid and on-decane and hexadecane in the treated samples with furfural. Comparison of chromatograms also indicated that 2-compounds of 2-ethyl acridine and hexadecane were in the activated sludge treated with furfural and acetic acid so that it was not observed in the primary activated sludge. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis also showed that the activated sludge of the paper factory resulting from CMP and NSSC processes is composed of calcite (2ϴ =39) and colloidal materials. FT-IR spectrum showed that acetic acid treatment has strengthened and activated the functional groups present on the activated sludge surface, especially in the range of 1500-1600 cm-1 wave number. In addition, the tensile vibrations are mostly related to the C-C bond and the skeletal vibrations of the aromatic units. Also, the wave number 3200 to 3400 cm-1 is related to the active hydroxyl groups. Conclusion: The most important saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in activated sludge can be introduced tetradcanoic acid, 7-bromohebtyl isobutyl phthalic acid, palmitoleic acid, linoladic acid and 2, 1-benzene d-carboxylic acid, which during activated sludge treatment with furfural and acetic acid have been removed. Depending on the type of treatment, these compounds can have negative or positive effects on activated sludge applications.

Background and objectives: Impregnation of wood with monomers is one of the methods to improve biological and mechanical properties of wood. Methymetacrylate (MMA) is a common kind of vinyl monomers that applied broadly in wood polymer composite manufacturing. But vinyl monomers are non-polar and exclusively fill cell lumens and other void spaces, without significant effect on hydroxyl groups of wood. Therefore, despite reducing water absorption rate, the resultant wood polymer still remains hydrophil. Bonding formation between non-polar monomers and hydroxyl groups of wood through incorporated modification, probably will improve physical and mechanical properties of wood. This research performed with the purpose of investigation the effect of cell wall modification with tetraethoxy silane (TEOS) and vinyltriethoxy silan (VTEOS) on physical properties, chemical and microscopic structure of methymetacrylate wood polymer. Materials and methods: Modification of poplar wood was performed by a double process vacuum/pressure, initially with TEOS and subsequently with VTEOS/MMA at presence of benzoyl peroxide as initiator. At first, samples were impregnated with TEOS, and cell wall modification performed at 120 C. Then cell wall modified samples were impregnated with MMA. In combined level, modified samples with TEOS, were impregnated simultaneously with MMA/VTEOS. Water absorption and dimensional change, chemical and microscopic structure of result wood polymer, were respectively investigated by immersing samples in water, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results: Changes in FTIR spectra confirmed wood cell wall modification with silane compounds. Modification with TEOS/VTEOS/MMA induced the highest intensity of carbonyl peak. Presence of MMA in cell lumen and increase of its presence in structure of cell wall modified wood confirmed by SEM. Modification with silane compounds enhanced monomer to polymer conversion rate which was more significant in vinyl silane compound. Vinyltriethoxy silane containing level, in spite of lower reactivity, indicated higher weight gain due to possibility of polymerization and bound formation with MMA. Water repellent efficiency of MMA containing samples were reduced with increasing immersion time in water, which cell wall modification with silane compounds decreased this reduction. The highest anti-swelling efficiency were observed in TEOS/VTEOS/MMA modification level. Conclusion: Incorporation of cell wall modification with silane compounds and impregnation of lumens with MMA, increased compatibility of polymer with cell wall, and also cell lumens occupied with polymer. Modification with both two silane compounds and MMA had highest enhancement in physical properties of wood polymer composite. VTEOS in comparison to TEOS, induced significant enhancement in properties of result wood polymer composite.

Background and Objectives: Forest roads are recognized as potential source of sediment production in forest watersheds. The aims of this research were to determine the performance of the empirical models in estimating sediment yield from forest roads and investigate the effect of technical standards of road on sediment yield. Materials and Methods: In the forest roads of Bahramnia forestry plan, 30 segments which were suitable for sediment trap installation were determined. These segments were classified into low standard, standard and high standard segments based on some technical characteristics Such as average longitudinal slope, percentage of cutslope coverage, distance from runoff source to nearest reputation, traffic density, pavement condition, etc. Sediment yield from segments were measured after each rainfall event (from March 2019 to February 2020) with the use of trapping at the end of each segment. The location of the trap was at the lowest point and adjacent to the reputation Inside each trap, 5 graduated indicators were installed to repeat the measurements. After each rainfall, sediment height (meters) and sedimentation area (square meters) were measured to calculate sediment volume. At the end of the year, three samples were prepared with the help of cylinders from each sediment trap to measure the apparent specific gravity of the sediment. Then estimated sediment yield by SEDMODL2, STJ-EROS and WARSEM was compared with real field values. Findings: Results indicated the amount of clay, distance of runoff to culvert, amount of silt, ditch cover, bare soil on cutslope, road surface quality and traffic volume were respectively effective factors in sediment yield from roads. Annual sediment yield from roads with low standard (0. 35 ton per year) was significantly more than standard roads (0. 24 ton per year) and high standard roads (0. 27 ton per year). The measured sediment yield from road segments (0. 27 ton per year) was considerably less than estimated values by SEDMODL2 (1. 74 ton per year), STJ-EROS (1. 32 ton per year) and WARSEM (1. 58 ton per year) models. Statistical analysis showed that only in roads with low standards there wasn’ t significant difference between measured values and estimated values by models. Conclusions: From the results of present study it can be concluded that none of models can estimate the annual sediment yield from forest roads of study area and all of them shows values more than real measured values. It is suggested that other models were evaluated and localized according to local properties.

Background and objectives: Woody debris as an important part of forest ecosystems plays a vital role in ecological performance. The quantitative and qualitative status of wood waste in forest areas is affected by various factors, one of the most important of which is the effects of human communities and the history of wood waste exploitation. So far, a study on the status of wood debris as an important and vital element in forest ecosystems and also the role of changing the pattern of fuel consumption as the most important factor affecting the status of wood waste, which is one of the most important sources of fuel needs in Arasbaran is counted, it has not been done. Since proper evaluation of the these programs can be helpful in the proper planning and management of forest resources, this study aims to investigate the effects of fossil fuel providing on the woody debris component as fuel wood in terms of the quantitative and qualitative charactristics in Arasbaran forests. Materials and methods: Two villages including Makidi and Kalasur were selected as using fossilfuel and fuelwood areas, respectively. In so doing, three one-hectare sample plots in the square form and a total of six hectares were implemented in each area. Some characteristics including species type, diameter, height, and decay class of woody debris (standing, fallen and stumped) were measured in each sample plot. Results: The results of Mann-Whitney test showed the amount of woody debris in the fossilfuel and fuelwood areas are significantly different (p < 0. 05). The amount of density and volume of woody debris was estimated to be 418 numbers per hectare and 3. 42 cubic meters per hectare in the no harvesting fuel wood area and 50 numbers per hectare and 0. 22 cubic meters per hectare in the harvesting fuel wood area. Conclusion: The results of this research indicate the success of the fuel consumption pattern changing of forest dwellers in preserving woody debris in Arasbaran forests. Results: The results of Mann-Whitney test showed the amount of woody debris in the fossilfuel and fuelwood areas are significantly different (p < 0. 05). The amount of density and volume of woody debris was estimated to be 418 numbers per hectare and 3. 42 cubic meters per hectare in the no harvesting fuel wood area and 50 numbers per hectare and 0. 22 cubic meters per hectare in the harvesting fuel wood area. Conclusion: The results of this research indicate the success of the fuel consumption pattern changing of forest dwellers in preserving woody debris in Arasbaran forests.

Background and Objectives: Forest stands have an important role in the ecosystem function, quantity and quality of produced organic matter, nutrients and finally soil biological characteristics. In pure and mixed stands, effects of deciduous tree species on soil processes have been received less attention. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the variability of some soil biological characteristics in beech and hornbeam forest stands with a certain composition ratio, which has not been reported so far. Materials and Methods: In this study, 5 combinations of forest stands (1. pure beech, 2. pure hornbeam, 3. beech and hornbeam, 4. beech-hornbeam, 5. hornbeam-beech) were considered by 5 sample plots replications in each stand in 3 parts (east, center and west) of Hyrcanian region (total of samples were 75). Sampling as a selected sample plots are considered circle form (1000 m2) in the center of each stands, with same conditions for aspect (northeast), slope (30-60%), altitude (average 1200 m) and the stands with middle-aged trees (diameter 40-60 cm) to each sample (for establishment the same conditions). Sampling of organic layers and mineral soil from 25 × 25 area and 0-10 cm depth was performed in the center of each sample plot and four main directions. Statistical analyzes were performed using ANOVA analysis of variance and Duncan multiple comparisons in SPSS 20 software, also using principal component analysis or PCA by PC-Ord V. 5. 0 software. Results: The results showed that the organic layer carbon in pure beech (49. 73%) and organic layer nitrogen in pure hornbeam (2. 57%) stands had significant difference and had the highest measured value. Soil organic carbon (5. 17%) and C/N (28. 17%) had significant difference in pure beech and showed the highest measured amount, while soil pH (7. 10) and N (0. 50%) had significant difference and showed the highest values in pure hornbeam stands. Fine root biomass (93. 36 g m-2), density and biomass of total earthworm ecological groups (respectively 2. 47 n m-2 and 32. 08 mg m-2) and microbial respiration (0. 53 mg CO2 g-1 day-1) were significantly different in pure hornbeam stands and showed the highest values compared to other studied stands. In this study, the analysis of all the characteristics studied on the first and second axes of PCA analysis justifies 47. 62 and 14. 22 percent of variance, respectively, which shows the highest soil biological activity in pure hornbeam and dominant hornbeam stands compared to pure beech and dominant beech. Conclusion: In general, the results of this study indicated that the composition of hornbeam tree species in beech stands caused significant differences in the improvement of soil biological indicators, so it was verified for mixing regulation and afforestation on the presence of hornbeam species in pure beech stands. The findings of this study can be used to prioritize the selection of stands consisting of beech and hornbeam tree species to regulate mixture in breeding operations and rehabilitate degraded areas in the north of Iran. Therefore, it is suggested that during marking operations, management planning and afforestation in the habitats of these two species, maintaining their mixture should be a priority.

Background and objectives: Eucalypts are big and fast growing trees that have been cultivated worldwide and in Iran. Industrial species of this genus have been imported to Iran in last nine decades. These specie have been cultivated for aim of adaptability and performance in different ecological regions of Iran. This research has been carried out to determine suitable industrial species or provenances of Eucalyptus were investigated for afforestation and wood farming aims. Materials and Methods: This experiment was done under randomized complete blocks with three replicates and nine treatments (Eucalyptus species) in 2008, in Shabankareh Research station, Dashtestan, Bushehr province. In each replicate nine species and 18 seedlings of each species were cultivated with 5×5 meter spacing. Studied treatment was Eucalyptus species and provenances including E. camaldulensis ig. camaltereti 20709، E. camaldulensis var. camaldulensis، 15030 E. camaldulensis var. subcinerea 15195، E. camaldulensis var. subcinerea 12828، E. saligna، E. dunnii 17909، E. viminalis ssp. cygenetensis 16020، E. globulus ssp. bicostata 16731 and E. nobilis 19452. Planted trees were irrigated weekly from March to early April. They were irrigated each three days from mid-April to end of November. Irrigation was continued each 14 days From December to early March. The afforestation was protected by station guards. In each year of plantation seedlings survival was enumerated and recorded. Tree height (m), diameter at collar (cm), diameter at breast height (cm), crown diameter (m) were measured and recorded to evaluate tree adaptability and growth at the end of last year. Those Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey test and α =5%. Results: Results showed that in terms of survival and growth, provenances of E. camaldulensis were superior when compared with other species. Highest growth was related to E. camaldulensis ig camaltereti 20709 with survival (90. 7%), height (2. 85m), diameter at collar height (4. 6 cm), diameter at breast height (2. 25cm), canopy surface (2. 75m2), tree total volume (0. 83m3ha-1) and annual volume increment (0. 28m3ha-1) among provenances of this species. The minimum value of survival and growth were belonged to E. dunnii 17909, E. viminalis ssp. cygenetensis 16020, E. globulus ssp. bicostata 16731 and E. nobilis 19452 which was zero. Hundred percent mortality of those species was caused by over drought and heat in summer time. Conclusion: Studied species were prioritized for future research and executive programs based on the preliminary results: (a) in terms of survival: 1-E. camaldulensis ig camaltereti 20709, 2-E. camaldulensis var. subcinerea 15195, (b) Based on tree growth: 1-E. camaldulensis var. subcinerea 15195 and 2-E. camaldulensis var. camaldulensis 15030. Thus application of E. camaldulensis provenances in afforestation and wood farming projects was recommended. Given that results are related to three years, further researches on provenances of this species in terms of superior provenances selection, methods of seedlings transferring from nursery to field, and afforestation managements was suggested.