Thermal modification is an environmentally friendly method to increase the lifetime of wood products. We develop advanced NMR and MRI methods for the investigation of structure and moisture components of thermally modified wood.
Variable temperature T2 measurements makes it possible to distinguish various bound and free water pools. Diffusion measurements allow the determination of size distribution of pores inside wood cells. NMR cryoporometry enables the estimation of size of nanopores in cell walls. Spatial distribution of free water is visualized by microscopic MRI.
We exploit NMR methods also in the analysis of modified wood components, such as lignin, relevant in the development of new applications of biomaterials.
