Estimation of Microfibril Angle and Stiffness by near infrared Spectroscopy using sample sets having Limited wood Density Variation
Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy offers a rapid method for the estimation of microfibril angle (MFA) and SilviScan-estimated wood stiffness (EL(SS)). The success of these NIR calibrations may be related to airdry density, because density varies in wood simultaneously with MFA and stiffness. The importance of density variation was investigated by developing calibrations for MFA and EL(SS) using Pinus radiata D. Don (radiata pine) and Pinus taeda L. (loblolly pine) sample sets where the density range was small and the relationships between density and MFA and density and EL(SS) were poor. Excellent calibrations for MFA and EL(SS) were obtained, particularly when sets had densities greater than 500 kg/m3, can provide strong relationships for MFA and stiffness even when density variation is limited. Examination of loading plots from the MFA and EL(SS) calibrations indicates that variation in wood components such as cellulose, lignin and possibly hemicellulose is important.