Wood microstructure: a cellular composite

M. P. Ansell

Research output: Chapter or section in a book/report/conference proceedingChapter or section

28 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Wood possesses a cellular, three-dimensional microstructure and is described as a natural composite material with orthotropic elastic properties. The mechanical properties of the wood cell wall, comprised of primary and secondary cell wall layers, are dictated by the orientation of stiff cellulose microfibrils in a matrix of hemicellulose and lignin. The hemicelluloses are closely associated with the cellulose microfibrils and these carbohydrate polymers are encrusted with non-carbohydrate lignin, affording protection from moisture and microbial organisms. The orientation of microfibrils has a direct influence on elastic properties of the wood cell wall and varies as a function of position in the tree and within annual rings. Numerous models of the wood cell wall have explored this relationship. Bound water content in the cell wall also affects mechanical properties together with swelling and shrinkage. The chapter concludes by presenting expanded forms of Hooke’s law for both wood (3D) and balanced veneers (2D), which are directly related to the wood composite microstructure.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWood Composites
EditorsM. P. Ansell
Place of PublicationCambridge, U. K.
PublisherWoodhead Publishing Ltd.
Pages3-26
Number of pages24
ISBN (Print)9781782424543
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2015

Publication series

NameWoodhead Publishing Series in Composites Science and Engineering
Number54

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