Understanding the relationship between wood and water is essential to improving the lifespan and durability of wood products. This study investigates the use of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LFNMR) as a technique to assess water states in solid wood samples. Pinus radiata samples composed entirely of earlywood sapwood were used in a series of experiments to determine optimal instrument parameters and sample preparation methodology for water measurement in a Bruker Minispec LFNMR. The length of time allowed for the samples to equilibrate in the probe area significantly affected results. However, using a constant equilibration time, variation between samples measured at room temperature was found to be greater than the effect of equilibration time. Our results show that by standardizing measurement procedures reliable and reproducible data can be obtained and confirm that LFNMR can be a useful tool in assessing water states in solid wood samples.
Keywords: low-field nuclear magnetic resonance, cell wall moisture content, T2 relaxation
Authors
Beck H.
Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
Thygesen L.
University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
Hill C.
Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås, Norway
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