Non-destructive X-ray microtomography is a promising visualization method for reviewing the distribution of low-molecule phenol (LMP) along with copper naphthenate in plywood. Eka Mulya Alamsyah Ph.D. and his colleagues aimed to determine the applicability of X-ray microtomography for observing the distribution of LMP and Cu in two-and three-dimensional visualizations. The distribution mechanisms of these materials were investigated using X-ray images and image plot profiles. Six hardwood and one softwood species were used for the experiments. An impregnation process was used to treat the wood samples with LMP, and copper naphthenate was added by dipping the wood in the compound for 1 s. A 10 mm^2 sample of each wood species was scanned using X-ray microtomography, and the distribution of LMP and Cu was successfully visualized using X-ray microtomography with the same settings. The LMP was displayed approximately evenly throughout the veneer, whereas the copper naphthenate existed mainly on the veneer surface. The X-ray images successfully showed penetration at the microscopic scale.

Article Citation:
Apsari, A.N., Sudoyo, E., Alamsyah, E.M., Kobayashi, K., Tanaka, T. (2022). The visualization of low-molecule phenol (LMP) and copper naphthenate on treated wood using X-ray microtomography. Scientific Reports; 12: 2239. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-05022-3

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Eka Mulya Alamsyah Ph.D. Profile Picture
(Source: https://sith.itb.ac.id/en/eka-mulya-alamsyah-ph-d/)
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Profile of Eka Mulya Alamsyah Ph.D.:
https://sith.itb.ac.id/en/eka-mulya-alamsyah-ph-d/