Wal, Rob, K.S. van der (2021) Looking into contamination in wood samples for radiocarbon analysis using FTIR. Research Project, Science Education and Communication.
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Abstract
The goal of this research project entails the development of a protocol for checking the purity of the α-cellulose product derived from wood samples using FTIR. Focus is laid on six wood types: resinous cypress, sequoia, Kauri and three non-resinous oak samples. The procedure used to purify these wood samples at the University of Groningen consists of three steps: an optional solvent washing step to remove resin, the oxidative removal of lignin and the removal of hemicellulose to obtain the pure alpha-cellulose. From this research, the following conclusions can be drawn: - A clear difference in FTIR spectra peaks between resinous and non-resinous wood types can be seen - After the whole pretreatment procedure, FTIR spectra show results that to a high extent look like pure α-cellulose. In MH, EO, MS and WC spectra a contamination side peak around 1000 cm-1 is visible. - Cutting the sample is easier than milling, but gives similar results according to the FTIR spectra and is therefore preferred - No major differences between the FTIR spectra of the wood samples before and after solvent wash are shown. The Groningen solvent wash seemed to add a peak (1000 cm-1) that might be solvent. The Soxhlet procedures gave a similar result, with the resin taken out not significantly changing the spectrum. It is therefore recommended to do more research: both on the effects of a solvent wash on the purity of the α-cellulose final product and whether this step is really worthwhile.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Research Project) |
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| Supervisor name: | Dee, M.W. and Meijer, H.A.J. |
| Degree programme: | Science Education and Communication |
| Thesis type: | Research Project |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 26 May 2021 13:55 |
| Last Modified: | 26 May 2021 13:55 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/24451 |
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