The acidity of five hardwood species

The acidity of 4 Malaysian hardwoods and a temperate hardwood was examined with respect to their pH, the buffering capacity and the amounts of acids liberated under damp conditions at different duration and temperature. Each wood species showed different acidity characteristics. Except where fungal activity had set in, there was a marked trend of acidity increase with temperature and time. Differences between the various woods became sharper after 144 hours exposure at 103 degree C where large amounts of formic and acetic acids were liberated. A linear relationship was found between the reaction time and the buffering capacity, and the amount of acids produced at 103 degree C.