Comparing mechanical properties of normal and compression wood in Norway spruce: The role of lignin in compression parallel to the grain

Cell-wall lignin content and composition, as well as microfibril angle of normal and compression wood samples were determined prior to mechanical testing in compression parallel to the grain, No effect of increased lignin content on the Young's modulus in compression wood was discernible because of the dominating influence of microfibril angle. In contrast compressive strength of compression wood was not negatively affected by the high microfibril angle. It is proposed that the observed high lignification in compression wood increases the resistance of the cell walls to compression failure. An increased percentage of p-hydroxyphenylpropane units observed in compression wood lignin may also contribute to the comparably high compressive strength of compression wood.