Wood Science Testing
- Abrasion testing of flooring and other surfaces
- Pulp chip analysis (species percentage, chip quality, chip size)
- Wood structural mapping (X-ray)
- Wood mechanical and physical properties
Abrasion Testing of Flooring and other Surfaces
We utilize the X-ray densitometer: wood internal density and structures,
You might be interested in the service if you:
- producing or developing new wood products
- assessing wood quality from forest stands
- purchase and distribute wood products commercially
Where samples typically come from
A variety of wood products in various stage of production and/or development
How you need to prepare the sample before submission. Instructions on sample submission
It is best to contact the lab before submitting your sample to find out how to collect a proper sample, and the dimensions required for testing.
What happens to your sample after we receive it.
A densitometer measures wood internal density and structures with x-rays. Our x-ray densitometer transmits x-rays through the wood being measured, and a photoelectric cell reads the x-rays as they pass through. The x-ray density is measured by how much x-ray goes through the wood. We also test density and specific gravity using ASTM standards for measurements. Combined with this research area we have a fully equipped digital microscopy facility to combine with density studies.
The samples can be returned to you, if requested.
Contact
Mat Leitch, PhD, Associate Professor in Wood Science
807-343-8010 ext 8659
mleitch@lakeheadu.ca
Pulp Chip Analysis (Species Percentage, Chip Quality, Chip Size)
You might be interested in the service if you:
- work in feed stock quality control and assurance for a pulp and paper mill
- represent a logging company and want to ensure quality assurance
How you need to prepare the sample before submission. Instructions on sample submission.
It is best to contact the lab before submitting your sample to find out how to collect a proper sample, and the dimensions required for testing.
What happens to your sample after we receive it.
We utilize a variety of techniques to carry out the analysis. Chips are sieved and categorized by size. Species and quality are identified by microscopic techniques.
Contact
Mat Leitch, PhD, Associate Professor in Wood Science
807-343-8010 ext 8659
mleitch@lakeheadu.ca
Wood Structural Mapping (X-ray)
We utilize the X-ray densitometer: wood internal density and structures,
You might be interested in the service if you:
- producing or developing new wood products
- assessing wood quality from forest stands
- purchase and distribute wood products commercially
Where samples typically come from
- a variety of wood products in various stage of production and/or development
How you need to prepare the sample before submission. Instructions on sample submission
It is best to contact the lab before submitting your sample to find out how to collect a proper sample, and the dimensions required for testing.
What happens to your sample after we receive it.
A densitometer measures wood internal density and structures with x-rays. Our x-ray densitometer transmits x-rays through the wood being measured, and a photoelectric cell reads the x-rays as they pass through. The x-ray density is measured by how much x-ray goes through the wood. We also test density and specific gravity using ASTM standards for measurements. Combined with this research area we have a fully equipped digital microscopy facility to combine with density studies.
The samples can be returned to you, if requested.
Wood Mechanical and Physical Properties
You might be interested in the service if you are:
- producing or developing new wood products
- assessing wood quality from forest stands or wood sourced from different silvicultural trials
- purchasing and distribute wood products commercially
- requiring thermal testing (BTU) of waste stream material or other materials
Where samples typically come from
- a variety of wood products in various stage of production and/or development
How you need to prepare the sample before submission. Instructions on sample submission
It is best to contact the lab before submitting your sample to find out how to collect a proper sample, and the dimensions required for testing.
What happens to your sample after we receive it.
We utilize the Tinius Olsen Universal Wood Testing Machines (H10KT and H50KT) and a impact testing machine in our wood properties testing. This is a new state-of-the-art machine which is an industry standard for measuring wood and wood product mechanical properties. The Tinius tests tension parallel and perpendicular to the grain, compression parallel to the grain, adhesives, nail and screw withdrawal, hardness, cleavage, 3-point flexure. Results are logged via computer and sent to clients. We also utilize a Bomb Calorimeter for thermal testing of materials.
The samples are destructively sampled, so they will not be returned to you.