EFFECT OF HYDROTHERMAL AND FREEZING TREATMENT ON THE PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF EUCALYPTUS WOOD

Authors

  • Fabiana Paiva de Freitas Department of Forestry Engineering, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG
  • Ana Márcia Macedo Ladeira Carvalho Department of Forestry Engineering, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG
  • Angélica de Cássia Oliveira Carneiro Department of Forestry Engineering, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG
  • Wagner Davel Canal Department of Forestry Engineering, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG
  • Renato Vinícius Oliveira Castro

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252017v30n414rc

Keywords:

Heartwood. Parr reactor. Heat treatment.

Abstract

Wood, in general, is a material with excellent properties; however, some features may limit its use. In this sense, various thermal treatments are emerging as alternatives to improve the technological properties of wood. In this context, this study aims at analyzing the effects of time and temperature (hydrothermal treatment and freezing) on the physical and mechanical properties of Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden. Three trees were selected, and only the heartwood was used to obtain the test body dimensions of 30 × 8 × 3 cm (length × width × thickness). The treatments were carried out at three temperatures of -20, 60, and 100°C, each at three exposure times (5, 10, and 15 h). Temperature treatment at -20°C was conducted in a domestic freezer, while the treatments at 60 and 100°C were administered in a Parr reactor, where the timber was submerged in water. Regardless of the exposure time, the timbers heat-treated at 100°C showed more efficiency, since this treatment unclogged the pores, reduced hygroscopicity, and promoted further darkening and uniformity of color, without changing the density and mechanical strength of the wood.

Downloads

Published

14-06-2017

Issue

Section

Forest Science