Open Access Journal

Manuscript submission

Volume 53 (2002), issue 4
Title:

EPR spin trapping – A new technique for observation and characterisation of free radicals during photodegradation of wood

Research subject and fields:
Abstract:

Absorption of UV light by wood or its components promotes the formation of free radicals. These radicals induce the depolimerization of lignin and cellulose. We found Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spin-trapping technique was a useful method to observe and characterize free radicals formed during photodegradation of wood or its components. During photodegradation of wood, using a spin trap DEPMPO three types of radicals were identified: hydroxy and carbon-centered as well as hydroperoxide species. We calculated proportions between free radical-DEPMPO adducts after UV-irradiation of wood, cellulose and brown rotted wood (as a model for lignin). As copper is known as a photo-stabilizing agent, we also investigated photodegradation of copper treated wood. Proportions between DEPMPO-radical adduct in UV-irradiated treated and untreated wood, or its components, significantly differed.

Publisher

Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology
HRCAK
ORCID
DOI
CROSSREF

DRVNA INDUSTRIJA Scientific Journal of Wood Technology

ISSN 0012-6772 (Print) / ISSN 1847-1153 (Online)

Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Hrvatska - Croatia
Tel: +3851 2352 430, E-mail: drind@sumfak.hr
Editor-in-Chief: Prof. Ružica Beljo-Lučić, Ph.D. E-mail: editordi@sumfak.hr