Scanning Electron Microscopy examination of the surface of softwood attacked by fungus

Abstract

The morphological structure of the surface of four Cedrus atlantica softwood samples was monitored by scanning electron microscope. The obtained results have shown formation of cracks on the surface of samples with deterioration of the majority of cellulosic fibers. The alteration of wood structure and decomposition of carbohydrates exploited by scanning electron microscopy images could act as a confidential sign of an advanced stage of wood decay by biological attacks, leading upon time to the extinction of this natural wealth. It appeared that the studied samples were attacked by brown-rot fungus selectively decaying the cell wall of softwood materials. The scanning electron microscope morphological observation revealed that microfibril distribution was heterogeneous and dynamic contact angles increase significantly during exposure to the non-controlled environmental conditions.