Elemental distribution analysis of copper-based preservative-treated woods by micro XRF method

Wood is useful as construction material; however, wood is not strong for decay and insect damages. Generally, injecting copper-based preservative treatment is effective for these damages. However, in some cases, the amount of injection treatment is not enough and homogenous in wood. In previous studies, wood samples had been cut to confirm Cu distribution in the samples. Analytical method for investigating the injection amount of Cu is required in non-destructively and non-contact way. In this study, we attempted to acquire elemental distribution in wood by using micro XRF method. European red pine (Pinus sylvestris) wood was measured by micro XRF instrument manufactured in the laboratory. XRF images of Cu, Ca, and K were measured on the surface and cross section of the wood sample. It was found that the injection depth of copper depended on the structure of wood. In addition, the detection efficiency of Cu fluorescent X-rays was evaluated according to Lambert-Beer's law and compared with the experimental result. (author)