Darci Alberto Gatto

Colour changes of Brazilian eucalypts wood by natural weathering

Abstract This study aimed to characterise wood discolouration of three Brazilian eucalypt species exposed to the action of natural weathering in two distinct places. To achieve this, tests were performed at an exposed outdoor site and under a forest canopy; both located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Colorimetric measurements were performed every 45 days during the period of 1 year in order to obtain the parameters L*, a*, b*, C* and h*. The main results showed significant darkening in the first 4 months and subsequently increased the greyish colour. Colour variations were observed between species, field and exposure time in service.

THERMAL MODIFICATION OF Eucalyptus grandis WOOD: VARIATION OF COLORIMETRIC PARAMETERS

The color modifications in Eucalyptus grandis thermally modified wood were investigated. One hundred eighty specimens (10 x 10 x 200 mm) were prepared and thermally modified in an electric kiln for 4 and 8 h at 180-240oC. The color parameters (L*, a*, b*, C*, h* and ΔE) were determined by the CIE-L*a*b* method on radial and tangential sections of untreated and treated wood. The results indicated the darkening of specimens in the radial and tangential sections. Both sections showed variation of L* between 73 and 30, a* between 9 and 5 and b* between 20 and 8. The thermally modified wood at 180 and 200oC showed similar patterns, equally at 220 and 240oC. The time of exposure indicated significance just in treatment at 200oC.

Composition and structure of organosolv lignins from four eucalypt species

Lignins were extracted from different species using organosolv process (ethanol/water). Obtained organosolv lignins were characterised by various methods to determine their composition, structure and functional groups with the purpose of evaluating their potential use for obtaining value-added compounds. The purity of organosolv lignins was determined. The total phenols content and the antioxidant power were analysed in order to know the reactivity of lignins. The ratio S/G was determined by nitrobenzene oxidation. In addition, molecular weight distribution, infrared spectroscopy and thermo gravimetrical analysis were carried out in order to determine the physical and chemical properties of organosolv lignins. Obtained organosolv lignins have very high purity and low sugar and inorganic contamination. All organosolv lignins samples have high polydispersity, and lignin from grey ironbark wood had the highest molecular weight average. Among the organosolv lignins, lemon-scented gum showed the highest average value of S/G ratio and the lowest average value of total phenols.

Durabilidade natural da madeira de três espécies florestais em ensaios de campo.

This work aimed to evaluate the natural durability of heartwood and sapwood of Luhea divaricata , Carya illinoinensis and Platanus x acerifolia . Test samples measuring 2.5 x 2.5 x 30.0 cm (radial x tangential x longitudinal) were placed in a pine forest stand and an open field. During a year, the samples were repeatedly weighed and evaluated by a rating system to determine mass loss and decay index, respectively. The results showed that regardless of species and type of wood, the forest environment is more favourable to decay than that of the open field. Despite the high correlation between mass loss and decay index, variations in the durability of wood were found between these parameters. The wood from the internal section of the log (sapwood) was the more affected. For mass loss, no significant variation was observed for the species analyzed, however, for the decay index Platanus x acerifolia was shown to be the most affected.

Physical and mechanical properties and colour changes of fast-growing Gympie messmate wood subjected to two-step steam-heat treatments

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate physical and mechanical properties and colour changes of fast-growing Gympie messmate wood subjected to two-step steam-heat treatments. To achieve this, Gympie messmate wood was thermally treated under different conditions. Combined steam (127°C and ∼0,1471 MPa) and heat treatments in an oven (180–240°C for 4 hours) were performed. Physical and mechanical properties were evaluated by weight loss, equilibrium moisture content, specific gravity, volumetric and linear swelling and static bending tests, while colour changes were studied using CIEL*a*b* technique. The main findings showed that the steam pre-treatment in autoclave influenced most of the technological properties evaluated, mainly for heat treatments performed in low temperatures (180–200°C). The most significant changes after thermal treatments were observed for dimensional stability, which increased as a function of temperature of treatment. On the other hand, mechanical strength of thermally modified wood was significantly affected, while stiffness did not change. Colour modifications due to the application of two-step steam-heat treatments confirm the possibility to using these samples for aesthetic purposes.

Desempenho silvicultural e seleção precoce de clones de híbridos de eucalipto

The objective of this work was to evaluate the genetic variability and silvicultural performance of clones from interspecific hybrids of Eucalyptus urophylla, E. globulus, E. maidenii, E. saligna, E. grandis, E. pellita, E. resinifera, E. kirtoniana and E. dunnii, and to determine the feasibility of early selection in selecting superior clones. The stem diameter at breast height at three (DAP3) and seven years (DAP7) and the total tree height at seven years were evaluated. A randomized complete block design, with138 clones, ten replicates and six plants per plot was used. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and clustered by the k-means method; the means were compared, and the Pearson correlation (r) was determined between variables. Clustering validation was performed using analysis of variance and Tukeys test. Clones of interspecific Eucalyptus hybrids showed genetic variability. Five groups of clones were established based on their silvicultural performance (DAP3, DAP7 and height). The DAP3 is highly correlated to DAP7 and height at seven years. The selection based on DAP3 can be used to identify superior clones of Eucalyptus with good growth vigor.

Modification of static bending strength properties of Eucalyptus grandis heat-treated wood

The present study describes the effect of thermal rectification on physical and mechanical properties of Eucalyptus grandis wood at different levels of temperature and time. Samples of Eucalyptus grandis wood (10 × 10 × 200 mm) were heat-treated at 180, 200, 220 and 240 °C during 4 and 8 hours. The mechanical properties of heat-treated and untreated samples were determined by static bending tests. The physical properties were determined by weight loss and swelling tests. The results showed that modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, weight loss, volumetric swelling and linear swelling were affected significantly by the thermal rectification. However, the length of exposure influenced just weight loss, while the temperature influenced all the studied properties of heat-treated wood. More significant modifications with treatments at a temperature of 200 °C or higher were found in the properties of heat-treated wood.

Qualidade da madeira serrada na região da Quarta Colônia de Imigração Italiana do Rio Grande do Sul.

This study was undertaken with the objective of evaluating the quality of the sawed wood produced in the Area of the Fourth Colony of Italian Immigration in Rio Grande do Sul. Three plants processing pine wood were investigated with respect to sawing and drying methods and moisture content of the industrial wood. The main method used was air seasoning and the resulting defects observed influenced the quality of the sawed wood negatively, suggesting the need of improving the process. However, the average moisture content was in agreement with the standards recommended for air seasoned wood. About 75% of the sawed wood of the area was classed as first when green. After drying, only 45% were first while 45% were of third grade. The remaining 10% were classed as super, extra or of second quality.

Thermal Analysis of Charcoal from Fast-Growing Eucalypt Wood: Influence of Raw Material Moisture Content

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the influence of raw material moisture content on the properties of charcoal from fast-growing Eucalyptus benthamii wood. For that, three treatments were performed with 0, 30, and 50% in relation to the wet basis moisture of the wood samples. The carbonization process used an electric kiln with a heating rate of 1.60°C min−1, initial temperature of 25 to 600°C at the end, kept constant at that temperature for two hours. Variables were statistically analyzed for charcoal yield, non-condensable gases, liquor, and fixed carbon and properties: fixed carbon content, volatile, ash, bulk density, and moisture content of charcoal. According to the results, the charcoal produced from dry wood presented the highest properties, yet the charcoal produced from wood with 30% moisture content showed similar properties.

Durabilidade natural de painéis aglomerados confeccionados com Eucalyptus grandis e Bambusa vulgaris em ensaio de apodrecimento acelerado

The knowledge about lignocellulosic compounds strength to the attack of microorganisms is essential for preventing deterioration and also for knowing the correct usage of the material. Accordingly it was evaluated the natural resistance of wood panels made of particles of wood (Eucalyptus grandis) and/or bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) to decay fungi. Particleboards were produced in laboratory, each of them with dimensions 50x50x0.95cm and density pre-set at 0.70g cm-3, in proportions of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100 of wood and bamboo, respectively. The particles mass represented 91% of the dry mass of each panel while the remainder was formed by the urea-formaldehyde adhesive (8%) and paraffin (1%). The panels were tested in the laboratory and Gloeophyllum trabeum (brown rot) and Trametes versicolor (white rot) were used to determine the natural resistance to attack by wood decay fungi. It was observed that panels which were made with a mixture of particles of wood and bamboo were less resistant to attack by decay fungi. Panels that were made from bamboo or wood only showed similar biological resistance. Among fungi, T. versicolor was the one that attacked panels more severely.