Eurasian Journal of Forest Science

Number 2, 2014

1-6
Lignocellulosic Fibers and Nanocellulose as Reinforcing Filler in Thermoplastic Composites

Authors: Nadir Ayrilmis [1] , Alireza Ashori [2]

Abstract

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Number of views: 218

Natural fibers have received considerable attention as a substitute for synthetic fiber reinforcements in thermoplastics. As replacements for conventional synthetic fibers like aramid and glass fibers, natural fibers are increasingly used for reinforcement in thermoplastics due to their low density, good thermal insulation and mechanical properties, reduced tool wear, unlimited availability, low price, and problem-free disposal. Natural fibers also offer economical and environmental advantages over traditional inorganic reinforcements and fillers. As a result of these advantages, natural fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites are gaining popularity in automotive, garden decking, fencing, railing, and non-structural building applications, such as exterior window and door profiles, siding. Another class of naturally-sourced reinforcements of recent interest is nanocellulose-based reinforcements. This study provide a short review on developments in the area of cellulose based fibers and nanocellulose and their applications in cellulose fiber based industries such as wood-plastic composites (WPC).

7-17
Modern Pollen Distribution at İğneada Waterlogged Forests Between the Periods September 2007 – August 2009

Authors: Nurgül Karlıoğlu, Hülya Caner, Ünal Akkemik

Abstract

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Number of views: 214

Study has been worked to find out arboreal and non-arboreal pollen influx (cm2/mo) fallen to the ground and relations between striking meteorological parameters at Kırklareli-Igneada waterlogged forests 6 plots between 2007-2009 where significantly high vegetation diversity was provided. Tauber style pollen traps have been installed into the 6 field plots and were replaced monthly. The pollen traps transferred to the laboratory Lycopodium spore tablets were used in accordance with European Pollen Monitoring Program and pollen slides were prepared. The annual pollen influx of Carpinus sp., Fraxinus sp., Hedera helix, Alnus sp., Corylus sp., Acer sp., and Quercus sp. was higher respectively between the period 2007 and 2009. Also, the annual pollen influx of Poaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Plantago sp., and Ambrosia sp. was higher respectively for the same period. Pollen influx increase significantly along open field conditions and forest canopy for herbaceous plant and arboreal plants respectively. Pollen density was lower at the period between 2008 and 2009 due to higher rain.

18-23
Patterns of Tropical Tree Species Richness along Elevational Gradients of Mountain Afadjato, Ghana

Authors: Edward D. Wiafe

Abstract

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Number of views: 200

This paper evaluates the effect of altitude on tree species richness, diversity, growth pattern and tree abundance to assess the responses of tree species to environmental changes. The highest mountain in Ghana, Afadjato, was categorized into three namely, lower elevation (200m -400m ASL), middle elevation (400m-600m ASL) and from 600m ASL and above the mountain as upper elevation. On five transects running from the bottom to the top of the mountain, two 20m by 20m squared plots were laid in each category on any 20m rise in altitude along the gradient of the mountain. All trees greater than 5cm in diameter at 1.3m above ground were identified and measured. The species richness, basal areas of trees and diversity differed in all the three levels of elevation. Tree abundance was found to decrease with increasing altitude. It was thought that these variations could be attributed to the various micro-environmental differences that might have occurred as a result of edaphic and climatic factors. Recommendations have been made for future studies.

Number 1, 2014

1-14
FOREST STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF TREES IN HABITAT OF PRIMATES IN GHANA

Authors: Edward D. Wiafe

Abstract

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Number of views: 249

Tree composition, density and diversity were assessed within a monkey sanctuary that has been tempered with by human beings. The study took place in Buabeng-Fiema monkey Sanctuary in Ghana to document the vegetation structure of the non-human primate habitat. The habitat types were stratified into three classes; as natural forest, mixed forest and cultivated area and 20 plots of dimensions 20m x 25m were established in each of the habitat types. All trees ≥ 10 cm diameter at breast height were identified and measured. In the mean number of trees per hectare was 17.5 (S.D=5.5, N=20), 12.7 (S.D=3.6, N=20) and 7.4 (S.D=7.4, N=20) in the natural forest , mixed forest and cultivated area respectively. The diversity, relative density and relative dominance differed in all the three habitat types. Moreover, the number of trees reduced with increasing height and basal area in all the three habitat types. The variations in the three habitat type provide good resources that may be required by the primates for survival but can promote and deepen human-wildlife conflict.

15-24
COMPARISON OF TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC PARAMETERS OF DRILLING OF WOOD BASED PANELS WITH CNC AND TRADITIONAL WOODWORKING MACHINES

Authors: Muhamet Ymeri1*, Agron Bajraktari1, Sejdi Hoxha1, Kushtrim Cukaj1, Hektor Thoma2, Leonidha Peri3

Abstract

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Number of views: 217

The technology of final wood processing has undergone during the last two decades positive changes, achieving a rapid development through the application of advanced technologies as the numeric-controlled machines (CNC). The focus of this paper lies in the comparison of technical and economic parameters in drilling operations, with a three-dimensional CNC mill-drill machine and with a traditional, horizontal-vertical tenoner drilling machine. The materials used in the study are particleboard panels for the production of a window-case. The study compares (i) the cutting time of the constructive parts of the window-case measured by the software of the CNC machine, and through a chronometer at the tenoner drilling machine and (ii) the cost of labor force engaged. The comparison of technical and economic parameters measured/calculated reveals clear advantages of the three-dimensional CNC machine over the traditional one. These advantages consist in operations time savings, higher quality of processing, lower internal transportation times, lower costs of processed parts and automatic optimization of material.

25-34
AFFORESTATION EFFECTS ON SOIL BIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Authors: A. Sepken Kaptanoğlu Berber1*, Shima Farasat2, Ayten Namli2

Abstract

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Number of views: 218

In this study afforestation effects on physical, chemical and biological soil properties were investigated in 10 and 23 years old black pine plantations used as grassland previously versus bear area. The results were also evaluated in terms of different landscape positions and soil depths. Afforestation increased electrical conductivity and soil microbial respiration in 23 year old plantation; and decreased organic matter and β-Glucosidase activity in both of 23 and 10 years old plantations. There was no significant difference in phosphatase activity. Soil pH, total carbonates (CaCO3), organic matter, β-Glucosidase and soil microbial respiration were affected by different landscape positions. It was founded that carbonates, pH, and microbial respiration were higher in the south-facing slopes than those of north-facing slopes; organic matter and β-Glucosidase activity were higher in the north-facing slopes. A decrease in organic matter and an increase in phosphatase activity were determined with soil depth.

35-43
EUROPEAN WOOD NDT&NDE RESEARCH AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Authors: Türker Dündar1*, Ferenc Divos2

Abstract

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Number of views: 214

The pioneering studies on non-destructive testing (NDT) and evaluation (NDE) of wood have been introduced in early 20th century in Europe as it is in North America. Several improvements were recorded since then in NDT&NDE technologies with parallel to the development in wood industry. A wide range of NDT technologies are currently being used successfully for evaluating wood and wood based materials in many areas from the inspection of artifacts to on-line production control in plants all over the world. Today, research and technology transfer efforts are underway throughout the world to further the development and use of nondestructive methods to address the many challenges that arise with using forest resources. This study aims to review the NDT/NDE research efforts and their practical applications being conducted in Europe that is significant contributors to the international research and development activities.