FTIR examination of preservative retention in beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.)

Abstract

A method of FTIR examination of preservative retention in beech wood structure was developed. Beech wood samples of different preservative content were prepared using low pressure preservation process in laboratory conditions. Then samples were homogenized in a laboratory mill and measurements were performed using FTIR spectrometer with attenuated total reflectance unit. Pure preservative was also measured and from its spectrum 1,555 cm-1 absorption band was chosen as the characteristic for preservative. 1,027 and 1,370 cm-1 were absorption bands characteristic for wood which were chosen as reference peaks. Values of two absorbance ratios, A 1,555/A1,027 and A1,555/A1,370 were correlated with the preservative content in particular samples. Correlation coefficients were 0.8390 and 0.8313, respectively. © The Author(s) 2012.