CHEM-E2105: WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS Laboratory exercise #1: Wood anatomy 3.2.2016

Introduction The aim of this exercise is to: Learn to identify anatomical features of wood. Study six different samples of wood and identify the species. You will be given: four hardwood species two softwood species In addition to the time spent in the laboratory today, you will probably need to spend additional time when convenient. Work in pairs and complete the report as a pair.

Methods and materials The samples (slides) have been cut in three different sections transverse tangential radial  Using an optical microscope for the identification, examine the species samples Hint: use a 10x objective to examine the samples  For each of the samples, identify as many of the key features of the wood structure as you are able to, such as the presence of vessel, or resin canals, pits, parenchyma, perforation plates (in vessels) etc., etc.  A very handy guide to identification can be found in the Wood Anatomy database (http://www.woodanatomy.ch/ident_key.html). It also provides a step- by-step method of wood identification. Another useful resource can be found on the North Carolina State University site: http://www4.ncsu.edu/~xylem/WPS202/syllabus.html.

Report writing instructions A simplified (“light”) reporting method will be used. Prepare a slide show with PowerPoint and simply return to MyCourses (or directly to Mark if you prefer). For each of the six specimens that you are investigating, attempt to identify the species from the features that you can identify. Justify your decision: e.g. if it contains vessels then it is a hardwood, if it is ring porous then it might be species a), b) or c)….. So, there will be no simple “right” or “wrong” answer if you aim to justify the decision. Deadline: Wednesday 17th February.