Gilmara de Oliveira Machado

Permeability Measuremens of Brazilian Eucalyptus

The permeability of Brazilian Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus citriodora wood was measured in a custom build gas analysis chamber in order to determine which species could be successfully treated with preservatives. Liquid permeability was tested using an emulsion of Neen oil and a control of distillated water. Air was used to test the gas phase permeability. For both Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus citriodora, the longitudinal permeability of gas was shown to be about twice as great as the liquid phase permeability. No radial permeability was observed for either wood. The permeability of air and water through the sapwood of Eucalyptus grandis was greater than that through the sapwood of Eucalyptus citriodora. The permeability of neen oil preservative through the sapwood of Eucalyptus grandis was also greater than through the sapwood of E. Citradora, but the difference was not statistically significant. Scanning Electron Microscopy images showed that the distribution and obstruction in the vessels could be correlated with observed permeability properties. Irrespective of the causes of differences in permeability between the species, the fluid phase flux through the sapwood of both species was significant, indicating that both Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus citriodora could be successfully treated with wood preservative.

Strength and stiffness of thermally rectified eucalyptus wood under compression

The aim of this work was the evaluation of the thermal-rectification process of reforestation wood Corymbia citriodora Hook by measuring of mechanical properties under compression parallel to the grain and also determining of chemical composition. The tested samples were thermally treated in a furnace with nitrogen-atmosphere at heating rate of 0.033 oC.min-1, at temperatures of 160, 180, 200, 220 and 240 oC. The chemical components and mechanical properties were affected with the thermal rectification process. The contents ranged from 17.85 to 3.51% extractives, 30.44 to 53.86% lignin, 69.56 to 46.14% holocellulose and 0.31 to 0.47% ashes. The samples strength decreased from 20% to 50% and the elasticity modulus increased about 47%. The characteristic values of strength under compression were determined and these changes were about 23% lower than Brazilian standard. The best mechanical properties of Corymbia citriodora were obtained at 180 oC.

Wood preservation based on neem oil: evaluation of fungicidal and termiticidal effectiveness

Abstract This research examined oil from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) for its potential as an eco-friendly wood preservative. In contrast to expectations from the literature, accordi...