220-154 Wood Science

Participants will increase their understanding of wood as a raw material. The importance and relevance of a scientific understanding of wood to the timber industry and end-user industries are examined, through an understanding of the chemical and physical structure of wood, microstructure and ultrastructure, including the development of defects and performance in demanding environments. The concept of wood quality and its impact on utility. The physical properties of wood including strength, thermal properties, electrical properties, elasticity, creep behaviour, bending, tensile strength and durability.

Content:

• wood and bark structure, anatomy and ultrastructure;

• macroscopic and microscopic features of wood;

• tree growth and wood quality, woody cell development, reaction wood, variability of wood;

• identification methods, growth rings and measurement of wood properties;

• wood chemistry, extractives, collapse;

• chemical utilisation of wood, and

• natural characteristics and physical properties of wood.

Report of up to 2000 words (55%) and six Workbook self-directed projects/activities (45% total).