Copper penetration in wood as studied by hyperspectral and µXRF imaging

Humar, Miha (author), Lesar, Boštjan (author), Kopač, Luka (author), Levanič, Jaka (author), Keržič, Eli (author)

Understanding the distribution and retention of copper in preservative-treated wood is essential for ensuring the durability and service performance of timber used in demanding environments. This study applies two advanced, complementary imaging techniques-near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and micro-X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF), to evaluate copper penetration patterns in European beech and Scots pine wood treated with copper-amine preservatives, copper–tall-oil formulations, and dual treatment systems. Laboratory-prepared specimens, industrially treated railway sleepers, and increment cores from in-service utility poles were analysed to provide a comprehensive assessment across treatment conditions. HSI enabled rapid, non-destructive visualisation of chemical and structural changes associated with preservative uptake, highlighting differences in penetration linked to treatment intensity and formulation. Micro-XRF mapping provided high-resolution elemental distribution of copper, confirming penetration gradients and treatment uniformity. Results consistently showed that vacuum–pressure processes yielded the deepest and most homogeneous copper distribution, while dipping produced limited penetration. Dual copper–amine and tall-oil treatments improved overall preservative retention and spatial uniformity compared with single-system treatments. Combined HSI and micro-XRF analysis proved highly effective for evaluating treatment quality, offering enhanced insight into preservative behaviour in both laboratory and industrial wood products.

• Language: English
• Keywords: copper penetration, hyperspectral imaging, micro‑X‑ray fluorescence, wood preservative treatments, beech, scots pine
• Work type: Other
• Typology: 1.08 - Published Scientific Conference Contribution
• Organization: BF - Biotechnical Faculty
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Author Accepted Manuscript
• Year: 2026
• Number of pages: 14 str.
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-183287
• UDC: 630*8
• COBISS.SI-ID: 280085507
• Publication date in RUL: 10.06.2026

Record is a part of a monograph

• Title: IRG documents database and compendium
• Place of publishing: Stockholm
• Publisher: IRG Secretariat
• Year: 2004
• COBISS.SI-ID: 82640387

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: prodiranje bakra, hiperspektralno slikanje, mikrorentgenska fluorescenca, sredstva za zaščito lesa, bukev, bor