The Separation of Forest Bio-Product Components through Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometrics by Abby Hamilton, Andy Mishou, Dr. Darrell W. Donahue & Amy St. Peter

The use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) could maximize the productivity of the forest bio-products process by aiding the separation of output woody biomass. NIRS and chemometric techniques could eventually be used online as a process control tool for the forest bio-product process. But before this technology is applied, research must be performed off-line at first. Hardwood and softwood mixtures of wood chips were scanned before and after treatment. NIRS was also used for the extracted liquid product removed from the wood chips after the extraction process. Two separate modules of the spectrometer were used to measure the reflectance of the extracts and wood chip samples.

Partial least squares calibration method (PLS), a multivariate calibration method, was used as well as selected pretreatments to create a mathematical model of the spectra. After calibrating the spectra of the solutions created in the laboratory, the calibration was tested by scanning the extracts that were removed from wood chips after the extraction process.

Differences in physical appearance of the wood chip samples, such as the surface color, grain size and thickness must be taken into account. A variation between the treated and untreated wood chips mostly occurred within the 1000-1350nm range. Effects of the viscosity, the amount of liquid scanned and the type of solvent used for the solution were investigated on the liquid extracts prepared in the laboratory. Generally there was a difference in the liquid extract spectra between 1000-1400nm.

Interview 07/11/07

http://efolio.umeedu.maine.edu/~tvassiliev/FBRI/2007FBRI/Abby&Andy.m4a