Global changes in wood harvesting towards plantation species grown on much shorter rotations has the potential to markedly alter wood quality perceptions. Nowhere is this more risky than with naturally durable species where there is compelling evidence that faster grown woods tend to be less durable. The ability to non-destructively assess durability may allow growers to identify materials that retain sufficient durability. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy provides a rapid and non-destructive method for analysis of wood composition, including extractives that contribute to wood durability. In this study, extracted and non-extracted wood of the highly durable Alaska yellow cedar was characterized using FT-IR. Extracted wood was then treated with carvacrol, a known component of Alaska yellow cedar heartwood. The resulting spectra were compared to determine if it was possible to quantify carvacrol content. The results suggest that FTIR analysis might be useful for rapid determination of wood durability.

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