The field of wood science can be categorized into three distinct main sub-areas, which include: •
Wood biology, a subset of wood science which focuses on the formation, structure and composition of wood tissues. It involves investigations conducted at the macroscopic, microscopic, and molecular levels. Additionally, this sub-field encompasses
wood anatomy which involves the (macroscopic - microscopic) identification of various wood species. •
Wood chemistry, whose primary focus is the analysis of the chemical constituents comprising wood, with specific emphasis on
cellulose,
lignin, hemicelluloses, and extractives, as well as on the various products derived from these components. It is also explores potential uses for pulp and paper production, the utilization of wood and wood waste, the generation of energy and chemicals from pulping byproducts, and the conversion of biomass. •
Wood physics, which constitutes an essential component of the field of wood science, building upon discoveries in wood chemistry, wood anatomy (xylem), and biology, as well as principles from
classical physics,
mechanics, and materials strength. Wood physics encompasses critical research areas including: a) examining wood behaviour in relation to moisture, which involves fundamental aspects of moisture absorption, swelling, and shrinkage, b) investigating the impact of
temperature on wood properties, encompassing
heat conduction and heat storage, and c) assessing the mechanical, rheological, and acoustic properties and qualities of both wood and wood-based products. Laser guided cutting of wood inside modern woodmill.jpg|Inside a modern
sawmill equipped with
laser-guided technology. Following
logging, it all commences with the sawmilling of round timber. Wood Drying Room.JPG|A
kiln dryer is typically utilized in the
drying of
green timber, applying a procedure which involves basic principles of
physics. RailroadTiesBeforeAfterCreosoteSantaFeRRAlbuquerqueNM.jpg|Railroad wooden ties that are fully impregnated with
creosote through a process known as
pressure treatment, which is a common method for
preserving wood. Steambox.jpg|
Steam bending is a
woodworking technique, under which,
wood is exposed to
steam and its basic polymer,
lignin is softened. Spruce plywood.JPG|
Plywood, a wood panel typically bonded with
formaldehyde-based resins (
UF,
PF), is widely utilized for interior and exterior applications. Akoya 2009.jpg|Specimen of
acetylated wood (
Accoya) resulting from the
acetylation reaction of
wood and
acetic anhydride represents a novel development following decades of
research. Многослойная клееная деревянная панель Райн Александр Дмитриевич.jpg|Specimen of
cross-laminated timber (CLT), a novel
engineered wood product for big construction projects (i.e. buildings), which was developed during the ‘90s. Kebony terrassebord 2.JPG|Terrace built with
furfurylated wood (
Kebony) resulting from the chemical modification of
pine wood by
furfuryl alcohol; this presents today a novel
green technology. Pellets_hand.jpg|
Wood pellets, a type of important
solid fuel nowadays, is produced from compressed
wood residues through
pelletizing, involving the softening of
lignin. == Scientific journals ==