2007 Research Highlights

Research Area:
Forest Service Strategic Goal 6: Conduct mission-related work in addition to that which supports the agency goals.
SPA: Resource Management and Use

Prediction of Fiberboard Properties using Fourier Transform Near-InfraRed Spectroscopy

Key Contact: John F. Hunt jfhunt@fs.fed.us

Prediction of mechanical properties for wood composites using rapid non-destructive methods is always useful for quality control and assessing properties. We now understand the potential use of Fourier Transform Near- Infrared (FTNIR) spectroscopy for wood composites. It has been used extensively in the wood industry as a means to online scan moisture content of wood in a process. It can also be used as a means to predict performance properties. Forest Products Laboratory research has shown it can accurately correlate basic mechanical properties and some physical properties using a non-contact surface scan. The data obtained is not yet fully quantitative but is more qualitative. The FTNIR analysis correlates known processes and parameters to a known spectral scan of the material. The analysis uses software to calculate a correlation of the spectra to a known measurable parameter. The software then predicts a response from new spectra. Part of the research is to understand what the scan is reading and how that relates to the wood fiber matrix. The information could have implications for online control of process variables. Its may be possible that a non-contact scan could allow users to adjust processes on-the-fly so composites have the required performance characteristics.