Relationship between microscopic properties and nanoindentation
Key Contact: Robert Moon robertmoon@fs.fed.us
Partner: Evertech L.L.C., HRT Technologies (James Wescott), and Chemco (John Gibb)
Using nano-indentation and macroscopic measurements of hardness, the relationship between the nano and macro properties of chemically modified wood was compared. The two techniques showed different hardness. Testing protocols and data analysis techniques were developed that removed the contribution of sample flexing, edge effects, and change in modulus on the measured mechanical properties as obtained by nano-indentation.
New markets can be developed for some moderate hardness woods if they can be altered to be similar in hardness to oak and maple. This program involves examining a commercial product to examine the relative merits of hardening the cell walls or filling the lumens for improving the strength of pine.