Wood science[1] is the scientific field which predominantly studies and investigates elements associated with the formation, the physical and chemical composition, and the macro- and microstructure of wood as a bio-based and lignocellulosic material.
[2][3] Deep understanding of wood plays a pivotal role in several endeavors such as the processing of wood, the production of wood-based materials like particleboard, fiberboard, OSB, plywood and other materials, as well as the utilization of wood and wood-based materials in construction and a wide array of products, including pulpwood, furniture, engineered wood products, such as glued laminated timber, CLT, LVL, PSL, as well as pellets, briquettes, and numerous wood-derived products.
Initial comprehensive investigations in the field of wood science emerged at the start of the 20th century.
The advent of contemporary wood research commenced in 1910, when the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) was established in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
[6][7][8] In the following years, many wood research institutes came into existence across almost all industrialized nations.