*2.1. Sample Preparation*

Cherry wood (Prunus serotina; identification based on bark and wood), obtained locally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was selected as a model for this study. This relatively fast growing species is very common throughout the eastern United States and Canada and therefore has potential to be utilized as a biomass source. The wood samples used in this study were prepared by the following method (Figure 1). First, a 16-mm thick slice of wood was cut across the grain (longitudinal cell); second, an approximately 7 mm tangential section was split from the heartwood along an annual ring; and, finally, eighteen pieces having dimensions of about 16 mm × 7 mm × 5 mm (length, width, thickness) were split from the section. Samples were produced by splitting to avoid saw blade damage to the surfaces. The purpose of taking the samples from a single tangential section in the heartwood was to limit the effects of the natural variability of the wood and improve the reproducibility of results. For the eighteen samples (as illustrated in Figure 1), fourteen samples (1–7) (two sets) were used for biochemical composition/cell wall composition (1 set of 7), and proximate analysis and grindability (1 set of 7). Two samples (8–9) were used for the physical properties tests (weight, color, and size), and two samples (10–11) were used for the microstructure SEM analysis.

**Figure 1.** Sample preparation and sample arrangement.
