Longitudinal mechanical properties of cell wall of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb) as related to moisture content: A nanoindentation study

Abstract

Abstract The in situ imaging nanoindentation technique was used to investigate how the moisture content (MC) affects the longitudinal mechanical properties of Masson pine cell wall. Furthermore, nanoindentation tests in liquid water were performed. The results indicate that elastic modulus, hardness, and compression yield stress of wood wall are all linearly correlated to the selected MC region in the range from 4.5% to 13.1%. Remarkable differences were found between the experimental values measured in water and the extrapolated values based on regression equations below fiber saturation point.