Research Highlights

Summary

Wood and wood-based composites have multiple levels of organization that are distinguished by the size of the components within the level. The properties at each level derive from the properties of the smaller components in the lower levels of organization. To better understand the bulk mechanical properties of these materials and develop new and improved advanced composites, including nanocomposites, researchers need better tools to assess the properties of the smaller components. Nanoindentation is capable of probing the mechanical properties of small components, which are inaccessible by other techniques. However, conventional nanoindentation methodologies were developed for testing inorganic materials, such as ceramic thin film systems used in the electronics industry. These methods are not always applicable to problems in wood research and are often qualitative at best. To address these issues, we developed advanced nanoindentation methods to increase the utility of the nanoindentation in wood science research. Our methods are being employed in many areas, including the development of advanced wood-based nanocomposites and to better understand wood-adhesive interactions.

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