Impact Factor: 1.6

Journal Open Access

Holzforschung

Cellulose – Hemicelluloses – Lignin – Wood Extractives

Editor-in-Chief: Lennart Salmén
Editorial Board: Geoffrey Daniel , Holger Militz , Thomas Rosenau , Herbert Sixta , Tapani Vuorinen , Dimitris S. Argyropoulos , Ingo Burgert , Dmitry V. Evtuguin , Charles E. Frazier , Kazuhiko Fukushima , Wolfgang Gindl-Altmutter , Akira Isogai , John F. Kadla , Gerald Koch , Dominique Lachenal , Shawn D. Mansfield , Jeffrey J. Morrell , Peter Niemz , Antje Potthast , Arthur J. Ragauskas , Robert W. Rice , José del Rio , Tor P. Schultz , Toshiyuki Takano , Hans Theliander , Johannes Welling and Hiroshi Yoshihara

Language: English

First published: January 1, 1947

Publication Frequency: 12 issues per year

View latest issue

Published by

Become an author with De Gruyter Brill

Submit Manuscript Author Information

About this journal

Starting 2025, Holzforschung will be transferred to Gold Open Access on a year-by-year basis. All articles will thus appear without delay under the Creative Commons license CCBY 4.0. There will be no publication costs for the authors. The Open Access transformation is based on Subscribe-to-Open. You can find more information about the model here.　

Objective
Holzforschung (HF) is an international scholarly journal that publishes cutting-edge research on the biology, chemistry, physics and technology of wood and wood components. High quality papers about biotechnology and tree genetics are also welcome. Rated year after year as one of the top scientific journals in the category of Pulp and Paper (ISI Journal Citation Index), Holzforschung represents innovative, high quality basic and applied research. The German title reflects the journal's origins in a long scientific tradition, but all articles are published in English to stimulate and promote cooperation between experts all over the world. Ahead-of-print publishing ensures fastest possible knowledge transfer.

Topics

Biology, chemistry, physics and technology of wood and wood components
Biotechnology and tree genetics

Article formats
Original articles, Reviews, Short notes

> Information on submission process

Your Benefits

Your benefits:

Cutting-edge research
Interdisciplinary approach
High quality basic and applied research
Ahead-of-print online publications

History

Holzforschung was founded in 1947. At the start, German was the sole publishing language of Holzforschung. In 1955 it became also possible to publish in French and English, and in 1993 the journal switched to an English only publication. This change was necessary as after World War II German was no longer the leading language in the natural sciences. With the significant rise in international attention and distribution, Holzforschung paid tribute to the linguistic needs of the wood science community around the world.

Other publications in the field
Wood Composites. Materials Manufacturing and Engineering. J. Paulo Davim, Alfredo Aguilera (Eds.) De Gruyter. 2016.
Nordic Pulp & Paper Research Journal

Open Access
Moisture-dependent elastic and plastic properties of pine wood and bamboo cell wall layers measured by nanoindentation

September 5, 2025

Joseph E. Jakes, Donald S. Stone, Sina Youssefian, Mobin Vandadi, Nima Rahbar

Download PDF

A more systematic, multiscale characterization of the mechanical properties of lignocellulosic materials, such as wood and bamboo, is needed so that manufacturers can better tailor their properties for specific end-uses. Nanoindentation was used to assess the mesoscale elastic modulus ( E S N I ${E}_{S}^{NI}$ ) and Meyer’s hardness ( H ) of secondary cell wall layers (SCWL) in Moso bamboo, and S 2 SCWL and compound corner middle lamella (CCML) in loblolly pine. The anisotropic SCWL was tested in both longitudinal and transverse directions. The effects of moisture content (MC) were studied by testing specimens conditioned between 1 % and 92 % relative humidity (RH). Both pine and bamboo SCWL exhibited many of the same features in their MC- and orientation-dependent E S N I ${E}_{S}^{NI}$ and H results, which suggested that the features were general characteristics of SCWL from different plants. A new transition in plasticity was observed around 2–4 % MC in which the SCWL transverse H had a sudden 20 % decrease. For comparison to literature plasticity S 2 SCWL uniaxial compression flow stress ( σ ) measurements made using micropillar compression testing, a H -derived uniaxial compression flow stress ( σ H ) was calculated using established methods. The σ H compared well to the literature σ , which supported that both H and σ can be used to similarly study plastic deformation mechanisms.
Open Access
Stabilization of hygro-deformation and interaction between earlywood and latewood in Chinese fir

September 5, 2025

Tao Shi, Haoyuan Liu, Fengze Sun, Jianyi Zhu, Hui Peng, Jianxiong Lyu, Tianyi Zhan

Download PDF

The alternating arrangement of earlywood (EW) and latewood (LW) in wood growth reflects an optimization structure, where anatomical differences lead to varying properties. This study analyzed the stabilization characteristics of hygro-deformation in Chinese fir, and compared the dimensional responses of intact growth rings and with those of isolated EW and LW during step-wise desorption and adsorption. During both desorption and adsorption, both LW and EW exhibited rapid hygro-deformation initially, followed by stabilization. The stabilization of dimensional changes lagged behind stabilization of moisture content based on evaluating their rates of change. Isolated EW showed significant reductions in hygro-deformation compared to when LW was present, due to the removal of LW’s restraining effect. The radial and tangential shrinking differences in EW before and after isolation were 0.40 and 0.46 %, respectively, as relative humidity decreased from 97 % to 0. The corresponding values were 0.58 and 0.71 % during adsorption (0 → 97 % RH). These results highlight the impact of EW-LW interaction on the hygro-deformation of Chinese fir and are helpful to elucidate the complex nature of wood-water relations.
Open Access
Esterification of wood with citric acid and sorbitol: effect of the copolymer on the properties of the modified wood. Part 2: swelling and shrinking, sorption behaviour and liquid water uptake

September 4, 2025

Christoph Hötte, Martin Nopens, Holger Militz

Download PDF

Formaldehyde-free, bio-based wood modification processes are gaining importance. One well-developed method is modification with citric acid and sorbitol as a copolymer (SorCA). However, some studies report that citric acid (CA) alone can be used for modification. In our previous paper, we showed that although the addition of sorbitol leads to a higher weight percent gain (WPG), the cell wall bulking (CWB), chemical fixation and impact bending strength were only marginally different compared to modification with pure citric acid. This study compares water-related properties, namely (1) dimensional stability and (2) swelling and shrinking behaviour, (3) water vapour uptake, (4) liquid water absorption and release and (5) capillary water uptake (CWU). Modification with pure citric acid resulted in higher dimensional stability compared to modification with SorCA. Dynamic vapour sorption (DVS) measurements showed that the modification with CA leads to a higher reduction in water vapour uptake. Liquid water uptake and release tests on the other hand revealed that, after leaching, SorCA-modified samples exhibited significantly lower water absorption. In summary, this study identified that while the addition of a copolymer has little effect on dimensional stability and water vapour sorption, it exerts a clear positive influence on liquid water absorption.
Open Access
Durability of tannin-citric acid modified Scots pine against weathering and fungal exposures

September 1, 2025

Sheikh Ali Ahmed, Gianluca Tondi, Reza Hosseinpourpia

Download PDF

Wood modification is essential to enhance the performance and longevity of wood as a material while maintaining its natural and sustainable characteristics. By modifying wood, its properties can be significantly improved without the need for toxic preservatives. Thus bio-based wood modification is vital for enhancing wood properties sustainably, reducing environmental impact, and meeting the demand for eco-friendly, non-toxic, and renewable material solutions. In this study, bio-based formulae were used on pine sapwood for enhanced decay and weathering resistance. Quebracho tannin solutions (20 %) with different concentrations of citric acid (CA) as a cross-linker were prepared and then vacuum-pressure impregnated in Scots pine sapwood before curing them at 140 °C. The durability performance of untreated and tannin-impregnated wood samples was assessed against accelerated weathering, mould growth and brown rot decay fungus Coniophora puteana (Schumach.) P. Karst. Experimental results showed that the weathering resistance was apparently improved by tannin modification with higher levels of CA, as reflected by color stability, crack formation and contact angle. While tannin modification increased mould susceptibility, the decay resistance was notably enhanced in all modified wood samples. The acidity of the formulas at high CA levels may increase the risks of hydrolytic degradation of wood, and thus, low CA concentrations (e.g. 2 %) appear optimal for balancing performance and chemical stability. These findings underscore the potential of 100 % bio-based tannin–CA systems to enhance wood durability, offering a promising pathway for sustainable wood protection strategies.
Open Access
Effective joining of partially delignified wood without additional adhesives using a parchmentising approach with zinc dichloride solution

September 1, 2025

Matthias Langhansl, Max Engelhardt, Alexander Helmbrecht, Klaus Richter, Cordt Zollfrank

Download PDF

This study presents a joining of partially delignified wood treated with a concentrated ZnCl 2 solution (parchmentising) and subsequent calendering similar to the fabrication of vulcanised cellulose paper materials. Spruce and beech wood were partially delignified with sodium chlorite to liberate the cellulose for surface bonding. Microscopic analyses reveal an intimate bond line showing the effectiveness of the adhesive-free joining. The average tensile shear strength was 6.6 MPa for spruce and 4.7 MPa for beech.
Open Access
Impact of determination method and sample type on basic wood density analysis and its implications for Eucalyptus pulp production

August 29, 2025

Bruno Sangali Arantes, Aguinaldo José de Souza, Renata Guilherme Cândido da Silva, Izabel Christina Gava de Souza, Vaniele Bento dos Santos, Sâmara Magdalene Vieira Nunes, Érica Patrícia Pinto Queiroz, Thayanne Caroline Castor Neto, Michel Picanço Oliveira, Graziela Baptista Vidaurre

Download PDF

Basic wood density is vital for forest-based industries, especially pulp production. However, sample saturation time before analysis poses challenges, with variations in sample types and methods leading to inconsistencies. This study evaluated the impact of different methods, sample types, and saturation parameters on Eucalyptus basic wood density and pulp industry metrics. Five Eucalyptus clones ( E. grandis , E. urophylla , and hybrids) from a São Paulo experimental plot were analyzed. Samples included discs and wood chips collected along the commercial stem. Basic density was determined using the hydrostatic balance method, while chips were also analyzed via the maximum moisture content method. Saturation methods significantly influenced density values, with differences of up to 28 kg/m 3 . Tests 2 and 3 reduced saturation time to 6 days versus 9–15 days for other methods. Density differences between wedges and chips appeared only in clone C2, with variations up to 11 kg m 3 . Saturation methods affected wood consumption predictions, ranging from 2 to 263 m 3 /ton of air-dried pulp. Test 3 (vacuum, pressure, and 100 °C) was the most efficient. Findings highlight that sample type, saturation, and methods influence basic density variability, directly impacting pulp production efficiency.
Open Access
From forestry schools to wood physics as a scientific discipline: a review of historical milestones and future directions of wood science

August 29, 2025

Dick Sandberg, Peter Niemz

Download PDF

This overview traces the modern history of wood science and technology, particularly from the European perspective. It begins with the early forestry schools in 18th-century Germany, which influenced the founding of similar institutions worldwide. These schools introduced technical subjects, including wood physics, to meet industrial demand, especially from the mining sector. Before formal studies began, early research on wood properties, including moisture relations and strength, appeared in encyclopaedias. With the Industrial Revolution, interest in wood as a construction material grew, linking wood research to engineering and materials science. In the early 20th century, dedicated wood technology institutes marked the birth of wood science as a distinct discipline. Today, key research fields include wood-water relations, mechanical and rheological behaviour, wood modification, and structure-property modelling. The future of wood science lies in sustainability and the efficient use of resources. As interest in renewable, bio-based alternatives to steel and concrete grows, further research on wood functionalisation and modification will be vital. Extensive literature is available for deeper study of advances in wood physics.
Open Access
Qualitative and quantitative microstructural investigation of Moringa oleifera wood through X-ray computed tomography

August 25, 2025

Naseer Ullah, Takeshi Fujino

Download PDF

Recent advances in high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT) enable comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of wood microstructure. This study combines micro-CT imaging with advanced segmentation to characterize Moringa oleifera L. stem anatomy. Qualitative analysis revealed distinct tissue boundaries, with grayscale images differentiating xylem vessels (bright) from parenchyma (dark) based on density. Reconstructed 3D volumes showed alternating parenchyma-fiber bands, while watershed segmentation delineated pores and Kuwahara filtering preserved structural details. Quantitative results demonstrated spatial heterogeneity: total porosity measured 22.3 ± 2.9 % versus 2.4 ± 1.9 % to 3.7 ± 0.2 % in ROIs. Pore density varied inversely (0.7 ± 0.3 to 1.4 ± 1.0 μm −3 ), with average pore sizes ranging 0.3 ± 0.6 to 1.9 ± 0.2 μm 2 . Strong correlations existed between porosity and pore diameter ( r = 0.99) or % area ( r = 0.95), showing morphology governs void fraction. Parameters exhibited symmetric distributions (skewness ≈ 0) with light tails (kurtosis < 3). CT resolved wall thickness variations (0–15 mm), linking microstructure to mechanical properties. The non-destructive approach provides unprecedented 3D quantification of Moringa wood’s structural adaptations, supporting applications in biomaterials and fluid transport systems.
Open Access
Assessing the softening behavior of rosin during heating using variable-temperature low-field nuclear magnetic resonance

August 22, 2025

Fan Zhou, Yongdong Zhou, Xin Gao

Download PDF

This study investigates the softening behavior of rosin during heating using variable-temperature low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF NMR) technique, aiming to demonstrate the potential of LF NMR in characterizing softening transitions including softening point. The NMR signals from three types of industrial rosins during heating from 30 °C to 140 °C were analyzed by applying both mono- and multi-component interpretation methods to evaluate signal amplitudes and relaxation time distributions. These parameters were used to assess the effect of heating temperature on the softening properties of rosin. The temperature-dependent NMR signal amplitude exhibited characteristic S-shaped growth, from which the temperature corresponding to the inflection point, where the signal amplitude increased most rapidly, was proposed as the softening point of rosin. The softening point values were mathematically determined through Boltzmann function modeling and subsequently compared with those measured using the ring-and-ball method. The LF NMR-derived softening point values showed close agreement with ring-and-ball results with deviation of 0.1–1.7 °C, validating NMR reliability for softening point analysis.
Open Access
Directional anisotropy of wood surface wettability: morphological dynamics of droplet behavior observed from different directions

August 21, 2025

Luyao Chen, Kaiwen Chen, Xianfu Xiao, Hui Peng, Jianxiong Lyu, Tianyi Zhan

Download PDF

Wetting plays a crucial role in evaluating the bonding and coating performance of wood and its products. This study investigates the directional dynamic wettability of Douglas fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ) wood, focusing on changes in droplet morphology both in parallel and perpendicular directions to the grain. Wettability was assessed using a contact angle measurement system via the sessile drop method. Contact angle, penetration ratio and surface free energy were analyzed, considering the effects of wood tissue type (earlywood, EW; transition wood, TW; and latewood, LW), droplet volume (9, 12 and 15 μL), and grain orientation. The results demonstrated a significant anisotropic spreading of droplets, with greater spreading observed parallel to the grain. The contact angle was consistently lower in the perpendicular direction, with a difference of approximately 10°. After 60 s, the penetration for a 15 μL droplet was 65.4 %, 48.4 % and 41.5 %, respectively for EW, TW and LW. Surface free energy was found to be 17–24 % higher in the parallel direction compared to the perpendicular direction. Anatomical characterization confirmed that variations in cell wall ratio and surface roughness significantly affected wettability. These findings highlight the directional and heterogeneous wettability of wood, providing valuable insights for improving wood coating, bonding, and related processes.
Open Access
Green and efficient deep eutectic solvent strategy for rapid aging of Castanopsis sclerophylla wood: a sustainable approach to restore ancient wooden architecture

August 1, 2025

Qihang Gao, Yun Qian, Runxuan Wang, Yangyang Xu, Yunyan Peng, Youming Yu

Download PDF

The restoration of ancient wooden architectures demands sustainable strategies to produce antique-style wood that mimics naturally aged wood in both aesthetics and structural integrity. Traditional methods for artificial wood aging face challenges in efficiency, scalability, and environmental impact. This study proposed a green and rapid approach using a formic acid/guanidine hydrochloride deep eutectic solvent (DES) combined with potassium hydroxide (KOH) to accelerate the aging of Castanopsis sclerophylla , a key material in historical wooden structures. This dual-treatment process selectively degrades lignin (5.0 % reduction) and hemicellulose (13.4 % reduction) while preserving cellulose crystallinity, closely replicating natural aging mechanisms. The treated wood exhibits a characteristic concave-convex texture and darkened coloration akin to ancient wood, with minimal mechanical property loss (6.5 % decrease in bending strength, 8.4 % in modulus of elasticity). Crucially, this method operates under mild conditions (80–100 °C, 2–6 h), eliminating toxic reagents and energy-intensive steps. The work provides a scalable, eco-friendly solution for producing high-fidelity antique wood, addressing the urgent need for sustainable materials in cultural heritage preservation and antique-style construction.
Open Access
Ruthenium-catalyzed bond cleavage in lignin model compounds containing β–O–4 linkages

July 28, 2025

Veronika D. Badazhkova, Risto Savela, Robert Lassfolk, Reko Leino

Download PDF

In this work, the possibility of using ruthenium-based Shvo catalyst for bond cleavage of lignin model compounds and lignin has been investigated. Shvo-catalyzed degradation procedure was applied to four lignin model compounds containing β–O–4 linkages, common for native lignin fractions. The reactions, in general, resulted in C β –C γ and C γ –O γ bond cleavage, with the degradation products depending on the exact model compound studied. Distribution of the degradation products can be explained by the range of substituents and structural complexity of the model compounds. The major products of degradation were separated using preparative HPLC and characterized to enable further studies on bond cleavage in lignin. The Shvo-catalyzed degradation protocol was further applied to the lignan hydroxymatairesinol and a model diol with protected primary hydroxyl group. For both compounds, only dehydrogenation of benzylic hydroxyl group in the absence of bond cleavage was observed. With extracted lignin, only thermal degradation of the starting material was evidenced, while detailed characterization of the reaction products was not possible due to their poor solubility and structural complexity.
Open Access
Anatomical, physical, and chemical characterization of native Caatinga wood species using integrated microscopic and spectroscopic techniques

July 28, 2025

Uasmim Lira Zidanes, Ana Cláudia Cavalcante de Lima, Matheus Cordazzo Dias, Giúlia Stéphane Ribeiro de Lima, Helena Cristina Vieira, Fábio Akira Mori, Rinaldo Luiz Caraciolo Ferreira, Rafael Leite Braz

Download PDF

The Caatinga biome in northeastern Brazil hosts diverse tree species with anatomical and chemical adaptations to semi-arid conditions. This study characterizes the wood of seven native species – Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil (Griseb.) Altschul, Poincianella bracteosa (Tul.) L. P. Queiroz, Cnidoscolus quercifolius Pohl, Mimosa ophthalmocentra Mart. ex Benth, Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir., Bauhinia cheilantha (Bong.) Steud., and Aspidosperma pyrifolium Mart. – through anatomical, physical, and chemical analyses. Wood structure was assessed by light and scanning electron microscopy; basic density was determined by immersion. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy were used to identify functional groups and calculate cellulose crystallinity. Density ranged from 430 to 850 kg/m 3 ; crystallinity ranged from 34.5 % to 78.3 %. Higher density species are suitable for structural, and composite uses due to their superior mechanical properties, while lower-density woods may favor pulp production, though higher density is generally preferred for energy purposes. This integrated analysis supports species identification and highlights the corrected use and relevance of Caatinga woods.
Open Access
Cell wall structure of tensile flexure wood fibers in Populus x euramericana

July 22, 2025

Dušica Janošević, Katarina Vojisavljević, Ilinka Pećinar, Dragana Bartolić, Aleksandra Lj. Mitrović

Download PDF

In response to gravitropic environmental stimuli, woody angiosperms develop tension wood (TW). Typical TW fibers are characterized by an inner gelatinous cell wall (c.w.) layer (G-layer). On the other hand, in response to mechanical stimuli, woody plants develop flexure wood. Flexure wood formed under tension in angiosperms is termed tensile flexure wood (TFW). Similarly to TW, TFW represents an increased source of non-recalcitrant cellulose for biofuel production. Histochemical, SEM, and Raman microspectroscopic analyses of TFW of juvenile Populus x euramericana formed in response to severe long-term static bending were performed. The presence of lignin in the G-layer, higher syringyl/guaiacyl ratio, and differences in lignin structure in TFW compared to normal wood, revealed by histochemical analysis, was confirmed by Raman microspectroscopy. Additionally, Raman microspectroscopy indicated differences in cellulose and hemicellulose structure and pectin methylesterification. The G-layer and compound middle lamella contribute to the response to bending by opposite shifts of the orientation-sensitive cellulose band attributed to the glycosidic C–O–C bond. SEM micrographs revealed the c.w. ultrastructure of TFW fibers. The presented findings encourage further investigation of TFW in terms of both changes in c.w. structure as a mechanical acclimation to stem bending and its potential for biofuel production.
Open Access
Biological resistance and chemical properties of wood from an agroforestry system

July 15, 2025

Tauana de Souza Mangini, Luana Candaten, Claiton Nardini, Daniela Minini, Elder Eloy, Rômulo Trevisan, Stela Maris Kulczynski

Download PDF

The aim was to determine the biological resistance and chemical properties of the wood of four species from an agroforestry system: Parapiptadenia rigida , Peltophorum dubium , Schizolobium parahyba and a hybrid of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis . Mass loss tests were carried out with white rot fungi ( Trametes versicolor – TV; Pycnoporus sanguineus – PS; Ganoderma applanatum – GA) and brown rot fungi ( Gloeophyllum trabeum – GT), and basic density (BD), lignin, extractives, holocellulose and ash were analyzed. S. parahyba (BD: 277 kg m −3 ) in combination with the GA fungus obtained the highest mass loss (17.6 %), as well as for brown rot (7.6 %) followed by E. urophylla × E. grandis (8.1 %; BD: 509 kg m −3 ). P. rigida (BD: 652 kg m −3 ) and P. dubium (BD: 488 kg m −3 ) showed lower mass loss to brown rot (3.4 %; 2.3 %) and GA (3.5 %; 3.9 %). The resistance to mass loss of P. rigida and P. dubium can be explained by the higher percentage of extractives and BD, which was validated by the principal component analysis that explained 86 % of the variance. In addition, they highlight the need for specific treatments for more vulnerable wood ( S. parahyba ), promoting greater efficiency in their use.
Open Access
Towards more accurate grading: non-destructive methods for assessing low-quality sawlogs

July 9, 2025

Rostislav Berezjuk, Patrik Nop, Robert Mařík, Radovan Gracovský, Jan Tippner

Download PDF

At times of bark beetle infestation, the sawmill industry uses mainly low-quality logs with a high proportion of salvage logging. Some countries of Central Europe, including the Czech Republic, have been greatly affected by such insect attacks as they significantly reduce the quality of sawn timber. To minimise the losses, non-destructive methods are needed to detect infestation early. Thirty Norway spruce sawlogs from loggings affected by bark beetle were processed and visually graded according to EN 1611-1 (CEN (1999) EN 1611-1:1999 – sawn timber – appearance grading of softwoods – part 1: European spruces, firs, pines and douglas firs. Brussels: European Committee for Standardization). The commonest defects were knots, but other defects such as soft rot, deep insect attack, and deep cracks had the most significant effect on quality. These defects were best detected by computed tomography using a MiCROTEC CT log scanner. The frequency-resonance method resulted in poorer coefficients of determination from R 2 = 0.004 to R 2 = 0.29 when predicting qualitative yield and therefore cannot be recommended when visually grading sawn timber. The Recommended Rules for Measuring and Grading of Roundwood in the Czech Republic 2008 should be adapted to the current situation in the industry by dividing grade III.D into two subclasses.
Open Access
Surface splits in outdoor undercover unfinished glued laminated timber

July 8, 2025

Geoff Stringer

Download PDF

Surface splits occur in glued laminated timber exposed to outdoor undercover conditions, protected from precipitation, and can adversely impact a structures performance. An 18 month field exposure trial in sub-tropical Australia, investigated the occurrence and development of surface splits in unfinished glued laminated timber, manufactured from a hybrid plantation Pinus species using a polyurethane adhesive. Surface splits were assessed by measuring split length to the nearest 5 mm. Surface split development was found to reflect a sigmoid deterioration pattern with four stages; 1) no splits, 2) split initiation, 3) split extension, and 4) split stabilization. This study found minimal evidence of a size effect impacting surface splits. Surface splits were found to increase proportionally as the magnitude of solar radiation on a surface increased. Radially orientated splits on tangential surfaces were found to occur sooner and extend further than tangentially orientated splits on radial surfaces. Surface splits were found to stabilize after about 6–9 months of exposure. Latewood on gluelines was associated with more than 90 % of glueline delamination. The nature and location of latewood both on exposed surfaces in laminates, and at gluelines was found to influence surface splits in glued laminated timber.
Open Access
Decay resistance and chemical properties of the heartwood in Larix sibirica naturally growing in Mongolia

July 3, 2025

Tumenbayar Ganbaatar, Futoshi Ishiguri, Ikumi Nezu, Masendra, Bayasaa Tumenjargal, Namnan Tumurpurev, Bayartsetseg Baasan, Ganbaatar Chultem, Jyunichi Ohshima, Shinso Yokota

Download PDF

Understanding the natural durability of wood derived from chemical characteristics is important for forestry species, such as Larix sibirica Ledeb that is a major species in the Siberian boreal forests and is utilized for producing construction materials. Wood-color parameters, chemical properties (hot-water extracts, 1 % NaOH extracts, arabinogalactan contents, and polyphenol contents [as taxifolin equivalent contents]), and decay resistance in the heartwood were examined for L. sibirica collected from five forestry sites in Mongolia. Geographic variations of these properties were also evaluated using a mixed-effects model. Mass loss by Trametes versicolor ranged from 7.4 to 14.8 %, while Fomitopsis palustris caused mass loss from 4.8 to 6.6 %. Mass loss by F. palustris significantly correlated with arabinogalactan contents ( r = 0.688). The L* parameter was significantly negatively correlated with arabinogalactan ( r = −0.477), while the a * parameter showed a significant positive correlation ( r = 0.459). A high variance component ratio of provenance was found in wood-color – L* (13.5 %), a* (19.6 %), and b* (24.2 %) – as well as in 1 % NaOH extracts (32.1 %) and polyphenol contents (29.1 %), suggesting that geographic variations of the properties are existed. Thus, selecting trees with higher L *, lower a *, and lower arabinogalactan contents may improve decay resistance against brown-rot fungus.

Issue 0

Issue 9

Special Issue: The 17th European Workshop on Lignocellulosics and Pulp (EWLP), Turku/Åbo, Finland, August 26–30, 2024; Issue Editors: Chunlin Xu, Merima Hasani and Monica Ek

Special issue: Celebrating 75 years of Holzforschung; Issue Editor: Lennart Salmén

Special issue: The 20th International Symposium on Wood, Fiber and Pulping Chemistry (Tokyo, Japan, September 9–11, 2019); Issue editor: Thomas Rosenau

Issue 5

Issue 4

Special Issue: The 9th European Conference on Wood Modification (Arnhem, the Netherlands, September 17–18, 2018) / Issue Editor: Holger Militz

Issue 3

Issue 2

Special Issue: The 15th European Workshop on Lignocellulosics and Pulp (Aveiro, Portugal, June 26–29, 2018) / Issue Editor: Thomas Rosenau

Special Issue: Advances in biorefinery research \ Issue Editor: Thomas Rosenau

Special Issue: This issue contains selected papers from the 14th European Workshop on Lignocellulosics and Pulp (EWLP), June 28–30, 2016, Autrans, France / Guest Editors: Christine Chirat, Dominique Lachenal

Highlight Issue COST Action FP1105 “Understanding wood cell wall structure, biopolymer interaction and composition: implications for current products and new material innovation” / Guest Editor: Edouard Pesquet

Highlight Issue: COST Action FP0904 “Thermo-Hydro-Mechanical Wood Behaviour and Processing” Selected Papers Guest Editors: Parviz Navi and Lennart Salmén

Issue 6

Special Issue: This issue contains selected papers from the 13th European Workshop on Lignocellulosics and Pulp (EWLP) Seville, Spain, June 24–27, 2014

Selected papers from the 12th European Workshop on Lignocellulosics and Pulp

to be implemented...

Issue 0

Issue 79

Issue 78

Issue 77

Issue 76

Issue 75

Issue 74

Issue 73

Issue 72

Issue 71

Issue 70

Issue 69

Issue 68

Issue 67

Issue 66

Issue 65

Issue 64

Issue 63

Issue 62

Issue 61

Issue 60

Issue 59

Issue 58

Issue 57

Issue 56

Issue 55

Issue 54

Issue 53

Issue 52

Issue 51

Issue 50

Issue 49

Issue 48

Issue 47

Issue 46

Issue 45

Issue 44

Issue 43

Issue 42

Issue 41

Issue 40

Issue 39

Issue 38

Issue 37

Issue 36

Issue 35

Issue 34

Issue 33

Issue 32

Issue 31

Issue 30

Issue 29

Issue 28

Issue 27

Issue 26

Issue 25

Issue 24

Issue 23

Issue 22

Issue 21

Issue 20

Issue 19

Issue 18

Issue 17

Issue 16

Issue 15

Issue 14

Issue 13

Issue 12

Issue 11

Issue 10

Issue 9

Issue 8

Issue 7

Issue 6

Issue 5

Issue 4

Issue 3

Issue 2

Issue 1

Holzforschung publishes special and thematic issues focussed on important and emerging topics in the field of study. The journal has established a rigorous process to ensure that any special issue manuscripts follow the same high-quality standards and peer review processes as regular manuscripts. For further information on the journal’s peer review policy please see the "Instructions for Authors".

Recent Special Issues

Volume 79 | Issue 9 Special Issue: The 17th European Workshop on Lignocellulosics and Pulp (EWLP), Turku/Åbo, Finland, August 26–30, 2024; Issue Editors: Chunlin Xu, Merima Hasani and Monica Ek

Journal Impact Factor	1.6	2024, Journal Citation Reports (Clarivate, 2025)
5-year Journal Impact Factor	2.0	2024, Journal Citation Reports (Clarivate, 2025)
Journal Citation Indicator	0.74	2024, Journal Citation Reports (Clarivate, 2025)
CiteScore	4.8	2024, Scopus (Elsevier B.V., 2025)
SCImago Journal Rank	0.481	2024, SJR (Scimago Lab, 2025; Data Source: Scopus)
Source Normalized Impact per Paper	0.975	2024, CWTS Journal Indicators (CWTS B.V., 2025; Data Source: Scopus)

More information about journal rankings

Submission
You can easily submit your manuscript online. Simply go to http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/holz and you will be guided through the whole peer-reviewing and publishing process.

Your benefits of publishing with us

Rapid online publication ahead-of-print with short turnaround times
One of the top scientific journals in the category of Pulp and Paper (ISI Journal Citation Index)
High quality manuscript processing through ScholarOne Manuscripts®
Optional open access publication
Accepted papers will be published online first as DOI-citable, forward-linked articles for quickest possible visibility for the scientific community
Every article easily discoverable because of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and comprehensive abstracting and indexing services
Secure archiving by De Gruyter and the independent archiving service Portico
Professional sales and marketing activities

Submission process

Before submitting your article please have a look at our Instructions_for_Authors
Submission of your paper via our submission management tool
Peer review process (you will be guided through every step)
Decision on your paper (4-6 weeks for submission to first decision)
When manuscripts are accepted subject to revision, the revised manuscript should be returned within approx. 60 days
Accepted papers are promptly published online ahead-of-print as soon as they have been finally processed

Please note

Manuscripts must be written in clear and concise English
Before submitting your article please have a look at our Ethical Guidelines and our Copyright Transfer Agreement
Once your article is accepted you have the option to publish it open access
Our Repository Policy allows you to distribute 30 PDF copies of your published article to colleagues (the PDF has to include the information that it is an author's copy). Please also feel free to distribute the link to the online abstract
If you have any general questions please visit our FAQ for authors or contact us at: Holzforschung.Editorial@degruyter.com

We look forward to receiving your manuscript!

Open Access

In this journal, authors have the option to publish their article under an open access license. Open access allows you as an author to retain copyright and share your findings with colleagues and interested parties worldwide without any restraints. Each article published under an open access license is subject to an Article Processing Charge of €2000.

Editor-in-Chief
Lennart Salmén, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, lsalmen@kth.se

Editorial Board
Geoffrey Daniel, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden
Holger Militz, University of Göttingen, Germany
Thomas Rosenau, BOKU – University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Austria
Herbert Sixta, Aalto University, Finland
Tapani Vuorinen, Aalto University, Finland

Advisory Board
Dimitris S. Argyropoulos, North Carolina State University, USA
Ingo Burgert, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Dmitry V. Evtuguin, University of Aveiro, Portugal
Charles E. Frazier, Virginia Tech, USA
Kazuhiko Fukushima, Nagoya University, Japan
Wolfgang Gindl-Altmutter, BOKU – University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Austria
Akira Isogai, University of Tokyo, Japan
John F. Kadla, University of British Columbia, Canada
Gerald Koch, Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Germany
Dominique Lachenal, Université Grenoble Alpes, France
Shawn D. Mansfield, University of British Columbia, Canada
Jeffrey J. Morrell, Oregon State University, USA
Peter Niemz, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Antje Potthast, BOKU – University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Austria
Arthur J. Ragauskas, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
Robert W. Rice, University of Maine, USA
José C. del Rio, Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology Seville, Spain
Tor P. Schultz, Mississippi State University, USA
Toshiyuki Takano, University of Kyoto, Japan
Hans Theliander, Chalmers University, Sweden
Johannes Welling, Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Germany
Hiroshi Yoshihara, Shimane University, Japan

Editorial Office
Gunda Stöber
Holzforschung
De Gruyter
Genthiner Str. 13
10785 Berlin, Germany
E-mail: Holzforschung.Editorial@degruyter.com

Holzforschung is covered by the following services:

AGRICOLA (National Agricultural Library)
Baidu Scholar
Cabells Journalytics
CABI (over 50 subsections)
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) - CAplus
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) - SciFinder
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Abstracts
CNKI Scholar (China National Knowledge Infrastructure)
CNPIEC - cnpLINKer
Dimensions
EBSCO (relevant databases)
EBSCO Discovery Service
Ei Compendex
Engineering Village
Genamics JournalSeek
Google Scholar
Inspec
Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
J-Gate
Journal Citation Reports/Science Edition
JournalGuide
Naver Academic
Naviga (Softweco)
Norwegian Register for Scientific Journals, Series and Publishers
PaperChem
Polymer Library
Primo Central (ExLibris)
ProQuest (relevant databases)
Publons
PubsHub
QOAM (Quality Open Access Market)
ReadCube
Reaxys
ScienceON (Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information)
Scilit
SCImago (SJR)
SCOPUS
Semantic Scholar
Sherpa/RoMEO
Summon (ProQuest)
TDNet
TEMA Technik und Management
Ulrich's Periodicals Directory/ulrichsweb
WanFang Data
Web of Science - Current Contents/Agriculture, Biology, and Environmental Sciences
Web of Science - Science Citation Index
Web of Science - Science Citation Index Expanded
WorldCat (OCLC)
X-MOL
Yewno Discover

Journal information

Additional information

eISSN:

1437-434X

ISSN:

0018-3830

Language:

English

Publisher:

De Gruyter

Additional information

First published:

January 1, 1947

Publication Frequency:

12 issues per year

eISSN: 1437-434X

ISSN: 0018-3830

Audience(s) for this journal

Researchers in the field of biology, chemistry, physics and technology of wood and wood components

Safety & product resources

Manufacturer information:
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Genthiner Straße 13
10785 Berlin
productsafety@degruyterbrill.com

Creative Commons

BY 4.0

Holzforschung

Overview

About this journal

Your Benefits

History

Ahead of Publication / Just Accepted

Issues

Special issues

Ranking

Submit

Editorial

Abstracting and Indexing

Supplementary Materials

Supplementary Materials

Topics

Topics

External Links

Bibliographic data