Abstract

A new approach based on hydrogen-deuterium exchange is proposed for measuring accessible OH groups in wood. The deuterium (D) exchanged for hydrogen in OH groups in wood was converted to D₂O by combustion in oxygen gas then diluted in deionized water, and subsequently determined by ²H NMR spectroscopy. The amount of accessible OH groups in Styrax tonkinensis wood is approximately 6.8 mmol g^-1. This measurement is very accurate, with an error of approximately 0.2 mmol g^-1. Heat-treated wood has a lower amount of accessible OH groups than non-treated wood. This finding is in agreement with the decreased hygroscopicity of heat-treated wood and explains, at least partially, its increased fungal resistance.