Mapping of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of End-Cut Pine Wood by the Scratch Test Method for the Problems of Dendrochronology and Dendroclimatology

The results of mapping the mechanical properties, in particular, microhardness HS(r, φ), of the entire surface of end cuts of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood using the scratch test method, followed by use of the data for dendrochronology and dendroclimatology, are presented. A multiple increase in HS (from 50 to 250 MPa) within an annual ring (AR) is revealed during the transition from early wood (EW) to late wood (LW). From the scratch-test curves, the width of the AR in various radial directions is determined and EW and LW are identified. A correlation analysis of the AR parameters with climate data is carried out. Time intervals are identified in which temperature or precipitation have the greatest positive or negative impact on the AR parameters.