Polliana D´Angelo Rios

Painéis de madeira aglomerada de Eucalyptus badjensis e Pinus spp.

The objective of this study was to determine the physical properties of Eucalyptus badjensis panels to assess potential use of the species as an alternative raw material for the production of chipboard panels. Three treatments were used, made up of 100% Eucalyptus badjensis; 50% Eucalyptus badjensis and 50% Pinus spp .; and 100% Pinus spp. For each treatment were made four repetitions, totaling 12 panels. The panels were produced with nominal density of 0.65 g.cm-3 and the pressing cycle temperature to 180 ° C, pressure of 40 kgf and 8 minutes press time. The following properties were evaluated: Apparent density, compression ratio, water absorption in 2 to 24 hours (AA2h and AA24h) Swelling in thickness in 2 to 24 hours (IE2h and IE24h) in thickness and not return rate. From the results it can be concluded that considering the physical properties, the panels produced with the Eucalyptus badjensis showed good results and the species may be considered as a potential source of alternative raw material for the production of chipboard panels.

Applicability evaluation of Cupressus lusitanica for pulp production

This paper aimed to study Cupressus lusitanica wood tracheids biometrics along radial direction and chemical analysis in order to encourage the use of new forest species for pulp production in southern Brazil. Axial tracheids anatomical analysis was held in 3 positions, in the pith-periphery direction. Total length, total diameter and lumen diameter were analyzed, and wall thickness, flexibility coefficient, wall fraction, felting index and Runkel’s ratio were calculated based on these variables. Chemical analysis determined total extractives, sodium hydroxide attack degree, ash, lignin and holocellulose content. For anatomical variables, a statistically significant increase in the pith-periphery direction was observed for total length (L = 5,85mm), for total diameter (D = 47,18 μm), lumen diameter (d = 32,92μm) and wall thickness (e = 14,26μm) was observed stabilization from intermediate section. The species was characterized as with high rigidity tracheids (WF = 61,73%), although being considered “good” for wood pulp production (RI = 0,93). The chemical composition showed high lignin content (L = 36,21%) and low holocellulose content (H = 59,19%). Cupressus lusitanica wood showed appropriate anatomical characteristics to be part of the pulp industry raw material supply. However, chemical properties may compromise the species use due to high lignin content.