Assessing the natural durability of teak wood by near infrared spectroscopy

Owing to its outstanding technological properties, teak (Tectona grandis Linn. f.) is one of the most preferred tropical timbers in the world. Some of its characteristics play a key role in defining the suitability of this timber species for specific end-uses. One of the most commonly cited characteristics of teak wood is its natural durability. It offers very good resistance to weather, termites, and decay, which means that it can be used externally without any treatment, increasing its commercial value. Like many characteristics, there is variability in this property, especially since the diversification of silvicultural practices and increase in plantation areas to meet market demand. Assessing natural durability is a tedious, complicated, and time-consuming procedure, and this explains why there are very few reports on variation in the natural durability of teak wood. One of the methods most likely to be adaptable to rapid measurements of wood is near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). MRS is widely used to identify compounds and to assess various material properties. This study evaluated the ability of MRS to assess the resistance of teak wood of different origins to fungi, in comparison with standard test methods. The best measurement strategy is discussed. The results prove that NIRS can predict resistance to different species of fungi, which use different schemes of attack. (Texte intégral