Assessment of the use of dynamic mechanical analysis to investigate initial onset of brown rot decay of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)

G. A. Ormondroyd, G. Alfredsen, R. T.Durai Prabhakaran, S. F. Curling, B. K. Stefanowski, M. J. Spear, L. R. Gobakken

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Microbiological degradation of wood by decay fungi can cause a rapid change in the structural properties of timber which can result in both strength and mass loss. Traditional techniques for the evaluation of decay (e.g. mass loss) lack the sensitivity to evaluate the effects of the very first stages of the decay process. This paper describes the effects of initial brown rot decay, defined by the amount of Poria placenta genomic DNA (gDNA) present in the samples, on the dynamic mechanical properties of the timber. It was found that there is a correlation between the mean storage modulus of the timber and the amount of P. placenta gDNA present, and therefore the level of decay. This shows that using dynamic mechanical analysis is a viable technique that can be used to study initial decay processes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-5
Number of pages5
JournalInternational Biodeterioration & Biodegradation
Volume120
Early online date8 Feb 2017
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2017

Keywords

  • Decay
  • Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA)
  • Poria placenta
  • Viscoelastic behaviour

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology
  • Biomaterials
  • Waste Management and Disposal

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Assessment of the use of dynamic mechanical analysis to investigate initial onset of brown rot decay of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this