ABSTRACT
This scientific monograph focuses on the chemical and morphological changes in Norway spruce wood (Picea abies L. Karst) during storage under natural conditions. Spruce wood is the most common coniferous species in Slovakia and is widely used in the pulp and paper, as well as wood-based panel industries. However, improper or prolonged storage significantly affects its quality and usability due to degradation of its chemical constituents and structural components.
The study provides a comprehensive overview of the wood's microstructure and its primary chemical components—cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and extractives—while emphasizing the role of external factors such as fungi, temperature, moisture, and UV radiation in their degradation. Experimental methods including chromatographic analysis, pH determination, and fiber morphology assessment were applied to evaluate changes occurring over a 15-month storage period.
The results show a clear decline in the content of extractives and hemicelluloses, a decrease in polymerization degree and molecular weight of cellulose, and changes in fiber dimensions and their distribution. The wood's acidity increased, which may negatively influence further processing, especially in pulp production. Additionally, microbial activity and fungal colonization were observed to accelerate chemical breakdown, leading to reduced mechanical and physical properties.
The scientific monograph highlights the implications of these changes for industrial applications, especially in the context of producing lower-quality pulp or wood-based boards. It suggests that improved storage strategies—such as debarking or compact stacking—may mitigate degradation and preserve key properties of spruce wood. These findings are relevant for forestry managers, wood processors, and researchers working with lignocellulosic biomass and its utilization in sustainable bio-based industries.