Abstract
In this study, the impregnation of a 3% solution of a mixture of medicinal aromatic plant extract, borax, and ferula plant extract on wood of eastern spruce (Picea orientalis L. (Link)) and mahogany were carried out and the changes in the anatomical structure of the impregnated wood were determined. Through obtaining extracts of various medicinal aromatic plants (ferula) and dual treatment with borax, the anatomical properties of wood material were examined and the related adhesion scale was determined. The highest retention (retention) was in mahogany wood borax (1.86%), and the lowest retention was again in mahogany wood ferula extract (0.31%). Both wood types demonstrated improved outcomes in comparison to the control sample when the air-dry and fully-dry specific gravity changes were investigated. The maximum air-dried specific gravity value was found in mahogany at 3% borax and ferula + borax (0.56 g/cm3), and the lowest at 3% ferula and borax (0.37 g/cm3). Mahogany wood with 3% borax had the greatest full dry specific gravity value (0.54 g/cm3), and spruce wood with 3% ferula and ferula + borax had the lowest (0.35 g/cm3). There was no retention in the tracheid and trachea cells that perform the transmission function. Because the sapphire cells are the cells that act as storage, adhesion has occurred in these cells.
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Effects of Plant Extract and Wood on Anatomical Structure in Ecological Environment Interaction
Abdi Atılgan *
In this study, the impregnation of a 3% solution of a mixture of medicinal aromatic plant extract, borax, and ferula plant extract on wood of eastern spruce (Picea orientalis L. (Link)) and mahogany were carried out and the changes in the anatomical structure of the impregnated wood were determined. Through obtaining extracts of various medicinal aromatic plants (ferula) and dual treatment with borax, the anatomical properties of wood material were examined and the related adhesion scale was determined. The highest retention (retention) was in mahogany wood borax (1.86%), and the lowest retention was again in mahogany wood ferula extract (0.31%). Both wood types demonstrated improved outcomes in comparison to the control sample when the air-dry and fully-dry specific gravity changes were investigated. The maximum air-dried specific gravity value was found in mahogany at 3% borax and ferula + borax (0.56 g/cm3), and the lowest at 3% ferula and borax (0.37 g/cm3). Mahogany wood with 3% borax had the greatest full dry specific gravity value (0.54 g/cm3), and spruce wood with 3% ferula and ferula + borax had the lowest (0.35 g/cm3). There was no retention in the tracheid and trachea cells that perform the transmission function. Because the sapphire cells are the cells that act as storage, adhesion has occurred in these cells.
DOI: 10.15376/biores.18.2.2693-2706
Keywords: Human/environmental health; Anatomical structure; Wood; Medical aromatic plant; Protection
Contact information: Design Department, Vocational School, Afyon Kocatepe University, 03200 Afyonkarahisar, Turkey; Email: dashing0343@gmail.com
INTRODUCTION
The development of new merchandises from wood is important, and impregnation techniques to be employed should not pose a risk, taking into account the preservation of wood (biotic/abiotic) and its effects on environmental and health aspects (Kartal et al. 2005). The necessity of creating novel materials that contribute to human and environmental health has become apparent as a result of the pressures brought on by the threat that some impregnation materials pose to human health because of their hazardous component structures (Tomak and Yıldız 2012).
The effectiveness of the impregnation process and the level of protection are dependent on the characteristics of the impregnation material and the wood, as well as the net amount of dry impregnation material attached to the wood (retention) and the depth of penetration of impregnation material into the wood. In this situation, it is crucial to protect the wooden material (furniture, construction material, etc.) against a variety of consequences (biotic, abiotic-combustion-air effects, etc.) (Baysal et al. 2003). In the impregnation process, the effectiveness depends on the impregnation material, wood property, retention level (penetration), and permeability level. The anatomical structure depends on the drying/slit opening process beforehand, passage aspiration in coniferous woods and the formation of tulle in leafy trees, and storage of various foreign substances in the opening in the passage membranes. These factors make impregnation in wood difficult. It is claimed that completing the peeling procedure prior to the impregnation process reduces the amount of free water in the lumen to 20% humidity, improving the depth of the impregnation effect with drying (Örs et al. 2001). The biological strength of wood is significantly influenced by its moisture content. One of the frequently employed protective techniques is to impregnate wood with poisonous chemicals to prevent fungi and insects. However, the use of these compounds is restricted in terms of the environment and human health. To offer dimensional stability (stabilization) and stop biological degradation , investigations into environmentally friendly technologies have begun (Baysal 1994). The effects of the heat treatment on these anatomical features of the wood material vary according to the species and the heat treatment temperature and duration. The heat-treated wood material became more brittle in both spruce and mahogany species; as a result, it has been stated that the effects of heat treatment on the anatomical structure should also be considered (İçel et al. 2017).
Investigating the impacts of several wood species’ anatomical structures and processing methods on surface roughness, it was discovered how these factors anatomically affect the wood’s tangential surface roughness and deformations (Ulusoy 2011). The studies have shown a strong relationship between environmental conditions and differences in the sizes of wood elements. According to the findings, there is a direct correlation between environmental factors and variations in wood element sizes. Increases and decreases in the dimensions of wood elements have always been in interaction with the season, water supply, and temperature level throughout geological periods (Merev 2003). It is crucial for both industry and academia to understand how impregnation affects the technological characteristics of wood species with industrial significance. The purpose of the study is to produce a preliminary analysis of the challenges that must be overcome to identify a wood material’s intended use, identify anatomical species in impregnated materials, etc., and to contribute to other researchers by sharing the experiences obtained.
EXPERIMENTAL
Wood Material or Plant Type Material
For this study, spruce wood harvested from Turkey was employed. Cuts were made in the radial direction in accordance with the principles of TS ISO 3129 (2021). Borax and ferula (Ferula communis L.) plant, both of which have been known to have antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics, were employed for impregnation.
Plant Supply and Extract Preparation
The drying procedure was completed at the laboratory until they achieved a consistent weight level of around (1 to 2 months). After drying, it was brought to powder level in grinders. The dried plant material weighed 10.26 g, and it was extracted in water at room temperature for 24 h with agitation and solvent was added at the predetermined volume levels by filtration. Then, after filtering with filter paper, water was added (distilled water) until the final volume was 5 L (Ceylan 2019).
Impregnation Process
Wood impregnation was performed following ASTM-D 1413-76 (1984). Wood sample was subjected to diffusion for 45 min and followed by a 45 min vacuum test. The test samples were then made dry to avoid any possibility of moisture affecting the impregnation material.
Drying and Air Conditioning Process
After impregnation and diffusion, the samples were maintained in an air-dry condition for some time. After that, it was positioned so they were not touching one another before being placed in the oven. The oven was set at 103 °C, and it was left there for 24 h to dry entirely. Measurements were performed once it was entirely dry (Baysal 1994).
Amount of Retention
After the impregnation process, the amount of material left over (% retention) in comparison to fully dry wood was calculated using Eq. 1 (Baysal 1994),
Moes – Moeö
R (%) = —————— ×100 (1)
Moeo
where Moes is the full dry weight of test sample after impregnation (g) and Moeö is the full dry weight of test sample before impregnation (g).
Preparation Method
Three preparation samples were collected from the tip of each test sample of each tree species to obtain general anatomical measurements. To soften the wood samples from which anatomical sections will be taken and to remove the air in their tissues, they were boiled in distilled water until completely collapsed. The samples were then maintained in a 1:1:1 mixture of distilled water, alcohol, and glycerin until sections were taken. Additionally, to counteract the effects of fungi, a small quantity of crystalline acid (phenol) was added to this mixture. On the “Reichert” Guided Microtome (Microtome Blade Stainless Steel S35, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey), sectioning operations from the samples were performed. From each sample, longitudinal radial (radial) and longitudinal tangential sections of 15 to 20 m were taken. Before they were made into continuous preparations, they were cleaned in sodium hypochlorite for 15 to 20 min and then they were rinsed with distilled water. After washing with distilled water, it was washed with acetic acid for 1 to 2 min to neutralize the medium, it was then stained with saffron. After staining, the sections were thoroughly cleaned with distilled water before passing through 50%, 75%, and 95% alcohol, respectively. Longitudinal radial and longitudinal tangential sections were converted into continuous preparation first with “basic fuchsin” and then with “glycerin-gelatin” (Bozkurt 1992; Merev 1998).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Solution Properties
Table 1 presents the solution characteristics for the plant extract and borax solution that were made at 3% concentration and utilized in the impregnation.
Table 1. Solution Properties
There was no important change in pH or density, which may have been caused by the type of wood, anatomical structure, plant extract or concentration, or impregnation time or technique.
Retention
The % retention values are given in Table 2.
Table 2. Percentage Retention and Duncan Test Results
The highest retention was determined in mahogany borax (1.86%), the lowest in spruce wood ferula plant extract (0.21%).
Air/Full Dry Specific Gravity Changes
Air/full dry specific gravity values of wood samples are given in Table 3 and the graph indicating the change are shown in Figs. 1 and 2.
Table 3. Air Dry / Full Dry Specific Gravity (g/cm3)
Both types of wood produced better results than the control sample when the air-dry and fully-dry specific gravity changes were investigated. The maximum air-dried specific gravity value was found in mahogany wood at 3% borax and ferula + borax (0.56 g/cm3), and the lowest at 3% ferula and borax (0.37 g/cm3). Mahogany wood with 3% borax had the highest fully-dry specific gravity value (0.54 g/cm3), and spruce wood with 3% ferula and ferula + borax had the lowest (0.35 g/cm3).
Anatomical Changes in Eastern Spruce Wood
Through comparison with the control sample, the transverse, tangential, and radial adhesions in oriental spruce wood soaked with 3% ferula plant extract, borax, and ferula + borax mixture were examined. In this evaluation, the cross-sectional images are displayed in Figs. 1a (control), 1b (with ferula), 1c (borax), and 1d (ferula + borax).
Fig. 1. The appearance of retention in cross-sections of impregnated eastern spruce wood
When examining the cross-section, compared to the control (a) sample, it was observed that there was adhesion in the self-rays and resin channels in ferula (b) and only the self-rays in the borax (c), and the ferula + borax (d) rays. It was determined that the adhesion was very intense in ferula (b) and borax (c), and it observably decreased after the mixture of spruce plant extract and borax (d) impregnations. Self-rays, which are parenchymal cells that function as storage in coniferous trees, facilitate radial food exchange (Bozkurt et al. 2000). It can be concluded that the various impregnation agents employed in the impregnation procedure have distinct effects on the wood cells, and that the plant extract lessens the impact of the borax agent. The impregnation process is affected by variables such as the characteristics of the wood material, the impregnation method, the liquid flow pathways, the passage aspiration, etc. (Bozkurt et al. 1993). According to a study, there were inconsistencies in the intercellular transitions compared to the control group because the epithelial cells surrounding the resin were impacted by the impregnation procedures. According to reports, the system and manner of impregnation have an impact in this regard (Akbaş 2011). In a study, it was found that adhesion only occurs in the self-rays and resin channels, that it is strong in the 1% washing and borax mixture, and it observably decreases after the mixture of the plant extract and borax impregnations (Ulusoy and Peker 2022). The state of adhesion in the tangential section was compared with the control sample. The views of this comparison are shown below (Figs. 2a-control, 2b-with ferula, 2c- borax, and 3d-with ferula + borax).
Fig. 2. The appearance of retentiion in tangential sections of ımpregnated eastern spruce wood
When examining the tangential section, compared to the control (a) sample, it was observed that only the self-rays were adhered to in ferula (b), borax (c), and ferula + boraxed (d). It was determined that the retention was very intense in ferula (b) and borax (c), and it observably decreased after the mixture of the spruce plant extract and the borax (d) impregnation material. The core ray parenchyma cells are the cells that serve as storage, and they store the side components other than the main components in the chemical structure of the wood. It is possible that the self-rays storage function caused them to absorb these compounds more quickly as a result of the impregnation ingredient sticking to them. They are cells whose rays cause the physical properties of wood to change. The ability of wood to split increases along self-rays on tangential surfaces. The retention property of wood can be positively impacted by retention in self-rays (Bozkurt et al. 2000). The state of retention in the radial section was compared with the control sample and their appearances are shown below (Fig.-3a: Control, 3b: with Ferula, 3c: Borax and 3d: with Ferula + Borax).
Fig. 3. Appearance of retention in radial section of ımpregnated eastern spruce wood
When examining the radial section, compared to the control (a) sample, it was observed that there was intense retention in ferula (b) and borax (c) and very intense in ferula + borax (d) at the meeting points of the self-rays and tracheid. It was determined that the retention was observably higher in borax (c) and compost plant extract and borax (d). Core ray parenchyma cells are found in radially located self-rays in coniferous woods. They store nutrients and provide transmission along their rays. The saphenous parenchyma cells are thin-walled and have simple passages. Compared to the longitudinal tracheid, they are relatively tiny cells. Nodular thickening of the walls, which is a important wall thickening, is seen close to the channels that allow conduction between the parenchyma cells. The junctional channels that allow nutrients to go from one cell to the next are generated when the longitudinal tracheid and the core ray parenchyma cells meet (Bozkurt and Erdin 2000). It has been determined that at the meeting places of self-rays and tracheid, there is intense retention in 1% ferula, non-intense in borax, intense adsorption in ferula + borax and it is observably higher in spruce and borax with mixed plant extract (Ulusoy and Peker 2022). The retention in the radial segment was largely found outside the junction tunnels. It might be argued that these wall thickenings are the possible cause of the retention that is present outside of the meeting space passages.
Anatomical Changes in Eastern Mahogany Wood
Transverse, tangential, and radial retentions in mahogany wood impregnated with a mixture of 3% ferula plant extract, borax, ferula+borax was evaluated by comparing it with the control sample. The cross-sectional images in this evaluation (Figs. 4a-control, 4b-with ferula, 4c-with borax, and 4d-with ferula + borax) are shown.
Fig. 4. Appearance of retention in cross-sections of ımpregnated mahogany wood
When examining the cross-section, compared to the control (a) sample, it was observed that very intense retention was observed in tracheas and self-rays with ferula (b), in tracheas, core rays and border parenchyma cells with the boraxed (c) and ferula + borax (d). Strand parenchyma, also known as longitudinal parenchyma, is a type of cambium cell produced by the transverse division of daughter cells that resemble spindles. They retain the original shape of the cambium cell. The membranes of the tubes connecting the trachea and parenchyma cells are incredibly thick in deciduous trees. This thick passage membrane has the capacity to shield the living parenchyma cell from the strong suction power in the nearby trachea (Bozkurt et al. 2000). It has been determined that the adhesion is more intense in borax (c), in the mixture of compost plant extract and borax (d) than in the mix (a). It was found that the mixture of spruce plant extract and borax had a more intense retention at 1% borax (Ulusoy and Peker 2022). These findings indicate that the impregnation substance is more effective than the plant extract in mahogany wood and it retains well. The anatomical design, solution characteristics, density, and tulle development of leafy trees may have contributed to this circumstance. The state of retention in the tangential section was compared with the control sample. The views of this comparison are shown below (Figs. 5a-control, 5b-with ferula, 5c-with borax, and 5d- with ferula + borax).