Near InfraRed NIR technology, including NIR cameras and detectors, is used to accurately identify surface irregularities on a veneer surface. A grade is then assigned to the veneer based, at least in part, on the detected irregularities. In one embodiment, the veneer is then provided to an improved veneer stacking system that produces more consistently graded veneer stacks and safer veneer stacks, is less expensive to operate, and is far safer than currently available methods and systems for full veneer sheet, veneer strip, and partial veneer sheet stacking.

A synergistic aqueous wood preservative composition comprising a copper compound and penflufen. The copper compounds of the compositions of the invention may be soluble, partially solubilized or micronized particles. The penflufen of the compositions of the invention may be solubilized, emulsified or particulate. The wood preservative compositions of the present invention are surprisingly provided as stable dispersions and confer surprising and unexpected resistance to treated wood and wood products.

The present invention relates to a method of treating a mineral or textile porous substrate to inhibit or reduce microbial growth in that porous substrate comprising the step of applying an anti-microbial composition to the porous substrate. Suitable anti-microbial compositions comprise one or more quaternary ammonium compounds selected from aminoalkyl(meth)acrylate polymer quats and alkoxylated quats, wherein the or each quaternary ammonium compound comprises an aliphatic C8 to C16 alkyl group, and at least one solvent selected from water and organic solvents. Suitably the anti-microbial composition does not comprise a binder polymer or resin and the quaternary ammonium compound penetrates the porous substrate to inhibit or reduce microbial growth in the porous substrate.

A super strong and tough densified wood structure is formed by subjecting a cellulose-based natural wood material to a chemical treatment that partially removes lignin therefrom. The treated wood retains lumina of the natural wood, with cellulose nanofibers of cell walls being aligned. The treated wood is then pressed in a direction crossing the direction in which the lumina extend, such that the lumina collapse and any residual fluid within the wood is removed. As a result, the cell walls become entangled and hydrogen bonds are formed between adjacent cellulose nanofibers, thereby improving the strength and toughness of the wood among other mechanical properties. By further modifying, manipulating, or machining the densified wood, it can be adapted to various applications.

A super strong and tough densified wood structure is formed by subjecting a cellulose-based natural wood material to a chemical treatment that partially removes lignin therefrom. The treated wood retains lumina of the natural wood, with cellulose nanofibers of cell walls being aligned. The treated wood is then pressed in a direction crossing the direction in which the lumina extend, such that the lumina collapse and any residual fluid within the wood is removed. As a result, the cell walls become entangled and hydrogen bonds are formed between adjacent cellulose nanofibers, thereby improving the strength and toughness of the wood among other mechanical properties. By further modifying, manipulating, or machining the densified wood, it can be adapted to various applications.

Provided is a wooden sheet having high flexibility (for example, folding resistance) and processability (for example, degree of processing freedom) even if the wooden sheet is considerably thick. Also provided is a method that can be used to produce such a wooden sheet. The wooden sheet is modified with a modifying agent including a combination of an acid or an alkali and a compound having a hydroxyl group.

Provided is a wooden sheet having high flexibility (for example, folding resistance) and processability (for example, degree of processing freedom) even if the wooden sheet is considerably thick. Also provided is a method that can be used to produce such a wooden sheet. The wooden sheet is modified with a modifying agent including a combination of an acid or an alkali and a compound having a hydroxyl group.

A method for preparing a wood preservative composition, includes modifying lignin with Na.sub.2B.sub.4O.sub.7 or NaNO.sub.3 and then with a chromium (II) salt, copper (II), cadmium (II) or zinc (II), for example, metal nitrates (Cr(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Cu(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Cd(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Zn(NO.sub.3).sub.2); to the preservative obtainable by this method; and to a method for preserving wood; and to the preserved wood. The preservative prevents degradation by xylophagous and fungal agents, and also improves some properties of the wood, and the hygroscopicity and fire resistance.

A method for preparing a wood preservative composition, includes modifying lignin with Na.sub.2B.sub.4O.sub.7 or NaNO.sub.3 and then with a chromium (II) salt, copper (II), cadmium (II) or zinc (II), for example, metal nitrates (Cr(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Cu(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Cd(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Zn(NO.sub.3).sub.2); to the preservative obtainable by this method; and to a method for preserving wood; and to the preserved wood. The preservative prevents degradation by xylophagous and fungal agents, and also improves some properties of the wood, and the hygroscopicity and fire resistance.

Near InfraRed NIR technology, including NIR cameras and detectors, is used to accurately identify surface irregularities on a surface of a veneer sheet or other wood product. Based on the identified surface irregularities for a given wood product, one or more actions are taken with respect to wood product or production process to ensure the wood product is put to the most efficient, effective, and valuable use.