A. M. Harju, P. Kainulainen, M. Venäläinen, M. Tiitta, H. Viitanen
Differences in Resin Acid
Concentration between Brown-Rot Resistant and Susceptible Scots Pine Heartwood
Summary
The concentration of individual resin acids and the equilibrium moisture content at a relative humidity
of 100% were studied in brown-rot resistant and susceptible Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)
heartwood. About 90% of the resin acids in the heartwood were of the abietane type, abietic acid
being the most abundant. The concentration of resin acids was higher in the decay-resistant heartwood
than in the decay-susceptible heartwood. Resin acids are presumably in part responsible for
the decay resistance of Scots pine heartwood. However, no clear relationship was found between
the concentration of resin acids and the equilibrium moisture content. The role of resin acids may
also be ascribed to mechanisms other than their hydrophobic properties alone. The reasons for the
slight differences in moisture content between the decay classes require further study.
Holzforschung, Walter de Gruyter
Print ISSN: 0018-3830
Volume: 56, 08/2002
Pages: 479 - 486
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