A close-up view of wood structure and properties across a growth ring of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L] Karst.) |
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Authors: | Michaela Eder Karin Jungnikl Ingo Burgert |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biomaterials, Max-Planck-Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Wissenschaftspark Golm, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany |
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Abstract: | A growth ring of an adult Norway spruce (Picea abies L] Karst.) was analyzed to a high resolution at the single cell level with respect to structural and mechanical changes
during the growth period. For this purpose structural characterization was performed by means of light microscopy, scanning
electron microscopy and wide angle X-ray diffraction for investigating the geometry of cells, their cell wall fractions and
cellulose microfibril angles (MFA). The mechanical properties were determined in microtensile tests on individual tracheids
which had been taken from sequentially cut tangential slices. The results revealed pronounced differences in tensile stiffness
between earlywood and latewood cells but only minor differences in tensile stiffness between the cell walls of both tissue
types. These comparatively small changes in cell wall stiffness across the growth ring were caused by slight changes in MFA.
The findings suggest that trees mainly vary cell size to optimize water transport and mechanical stability during the growth
period and that modification of the cell wall organisation plays a minor role. |
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Keywords: | Tree ring Single cell Gradual changes Mechanical properties Cell wall organisation |
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