Near infrared spectroscopy as a tool for characterization of wood surface

The goal of this research was to exploit the potential of near infrared spectroscopy to measure and characterise various types of surfaces common in the wood/related products and to present their capabilities for application into wood research and industry. Wooden blocks originated from different countries, of various wood species and different finishes have been evaluated. Characterisation of the archaeological wood was also performed by measuring fragments of wood excavated at the site. It has been found that near infrared spectroscopy can be successfully utilized for: recognition of wood species, quantify chemical composition of wood, detection of surface finish type and monitoring of the wood/coated wood weathering. The near infrared technique could be used for analyses of archeological wood and determination of its geographical origin. Dedicated tests performed on spruce (Picea abies sp.) originated from Finland, northern Poland, southern Poland and various valleys of Italian Dolomites confirmed that it is possible to determine the wood proveniences by measuring its near infrared spectra.