Wood science

Spruce wood (Picea abies) as shown in SEM
Oak wood (Quercus robur) with characteristic rows of vessels
Beech wood (Fagus sylvatica) with rays in the tangential direction
Common fig (Ficus sycomorus) xylem with axial banded parenchyma in light microscopy

Wood science[1] is the scientific field which predominantly studies and investigates elements associated with the formation, the physical and chemical composition, and the macro- and microstructure of wood as a bio-based and lignocellulosic material. Wood science additionally delves into the biological, chemical, physical, and mechanical properties and characteristics of wood as a natural material.[2][3]

Deep understanding of wood plays a pivotal role in several endeavors such as the processing of wood, the production of wood-based materials like particleboard, fiberboard, OSB, plywood and other materials, as well as the utilization of wood and wood-based materials in construction and a wide array of products, including pulpwood, furniture, engineered wood products, such as glued laminated timber, CLT, LVL, PSL, as well as pellets, briquettes, and numerous wood-derived products.

  1. ^ "Wood science". Google Scholar. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
  2. ^ "Springer Handbook of Wood Science and Technology". Springer Handbooks. Cham: Springer International Publishing. 2023. p. 25-26. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-81315-4. ISBN 978-3-030-81314-7. ISSN 2522-8692. S2CID 257902863.
  3. ^ Mai, Carsten; Schmitt, Uwe; Niemz, Peter (2021-12-31). "A brief overview on the development of wood research". Holzforschung. 76 (2). Walter de Gruyter GmbH: 102–119. doi:10.1515/hf-2021-0155. hdl:20.500.11850/524024. ISSN 0018-3830. S2CID 245594339.