Thermal degradation of wood is a well known phenomenon. Yet heat-treatment of wood can also provide protection for wood against certain environmental hazards. This paper explores some of the aspects of thermal degradation of wood fiber at relatively low temperatures with a surprising result. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were produced when a specific heating regime was used to carbonize the wood fiber. The results suggest that CNTs may possibly be formed in wood materials that have been heat-treated, or that otherwise may have gone through a high temperature regime or high temperature cycling.

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