Zachary DeLong Advisors: Forrest Schultz and John Kirk University of Wisconsin-Stout Research Problem: - Wood products are limited by their physical properties - The addition of a polymer resin can affect the physical properties of the wood - There is a lack of research relating to the affects of polymer resins on wood properties and the absorption of the resins into different types of wood cells Purpose of Study: -Observe different wood cell types after being subjected to a polymer resin Research Method: - A test specimen 5.5 inches by 1.25 inches was divided into segments.25 inches by.25 inches -Three main cells of wood were selected to be tested: 1)Earlywood: cells have larger cavities and thin cell walls, they form in the early growing season 2)Latewood: cells have small cavities with thick cell walls, they from in the late growing season 3)Ray cells Data Collection Instrument: - Scanning Electron Microscope K1 Latewood L1 Earlywood L2 Earlywood K2 Latewood G2 Ray Specimen Preparation: - The samples were prepare by cutting out the selected segments with a fine knife - The segments then had their top edges cut with a razor so that only a small square remained - The razor was then used to remove a thin slice of the top square, this procedure reduces the damage done to the wood cells when being cut. Results: - When comparing the Earlywood cells, L1 sample seemed to have thinner cell walls than L2. L2 also seems to have “fuzzy” cell walls, a possible sign of the polymer resin. - Comparing Latewood cells was not possible because all the cells in sample K1 were too damaged, although the cells in K2 looked like they had much larger cell walls - Comparing the Latewood cells to the Earlywood cells showed much larger cells walls with a smaller cell size in the Latewood cells. The Latewood had a much larger amount of “fuzz” meaning possibly more polymer resin absorption. - The Rays cells when compared to Earlywood cells showed similar size cells with a thicker cell wall, They also seemed to have a greater amount of polymer absorption. Implications: - Use in future studies of how the physical properties relate to absorption areas Future Research: - Use of Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy- Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy - Multiple polymer resins and wood types -Follow the resin absorption through the wood as a function of depth Conclusion: The absorption of a polymer resin into wood is important in understanding how the material properties act the way they do. They will also be important in predicting how the wood specimen will react in certain situations. These tests need to be preformed to ensure the safety of the wood polymer before the product is moved into production. Overall, the Latewood cells seemed to absorb the most polymer resin. The Earlywood, which makes up the largest percent of cells in the wood, seemed to absorb the polymer resin the worst. With further research the effects of different polymer resins on different types of wood can be mapped allowing a better understanding on what polymer resins do to the properties of wood.