ABSTRACT Lignin, the second most abundant biopolymer on the planet, has properties that can be widely explored, moving from waste to products with high added value. Therefore, this work aimed to extract and characterize Klason and Kraft lignins from sawdust and black liquor, considered industrial waste. The raw material used was Eucalyptus grandis chips. To obtain Klason lignin according to TAPPI 222 om-02 (2002), part of the chips were transformed into sawdust. To obtain Kraft lignin, another part of the chips passed through a digester to obtain black liquor, which was subsequently subjected to acid precipitation. The characterization of lignins was performed by granulometry analysis, scanning electron microscopy with elemental chemical analysis (EDS), transmission electron microscopy, medium infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and differential calorimetry. Microscopy analyzes showed irregular structures of various shapes, including spherical structures, most evident and frequent in Kraft lignin. The elementary chemical analysis showed that the lignin washing process was satisfactory, due to the small percentage of sulfur detected in the samples. The results of the granulometry confirmed that the lignins had micrometric dimensions. The medium infrared spectra showed the characteristic peaks of the chemical composition of lignin. The thermal analysis showed three ranges of degradation, attributed to the drying of the samples, degradation of the hemicelluloses and the lignin itself. All results confirmed the obtaining of Klason and Kraft lignins. Therefore, the techniques were satisfactory in transforming waste into lignin with the potential for a variety of commercial applications, mainly in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

RESUMO A lignina, o segundo biopolímero mais abundante do planeta, possui propriedades que podem ser amplamente exploradas, passando de resíduos a produtos de alto valor agregado. Portanto, este trabalho teve como objetivo extrair e caracterizar as ligninas Klason e Kraft de serragem e licor negro, considerados resíduos industriais. A matéria-prima utilizada foram cavacos de Eucalyptus grandis. Para a obtenção da lignina Klason conforme TAPPI 222 om-02 (2002), parte dos cavacos foi transformada em serragem. Para a obtenção da lignina Kraft, outra parte dos cavacos passou por um digestor para a obtenção do licor negro, que posteriormente foi submetido à precipitação ácida. A caracterização das ligninas foi realizada por análise de granulometria, microscopia eletrônica de varredura com análise química elementar (EDS), microscopia eletrônica de transmissão, espectroscopia de infravermelho médio, análise termogravimétrica e calorimetria diferencial. As análises microscópicas mostraram estruturas irregulares de vários formatos, incluindo estruturas esféricas, mais evidentes e frequentes na lignina Kraft. A análise química elementar mostrou que o processo de lavagem da lignina foi satisfatório, devido ao pequeno percentual de enxofre detectado nas amostras. Os resultados da granulometria confirmaram que as ligninas apresentaram dimensões micrométricas. Os espectros de infravermelho médio mostraram os picos característicos da composição química da lignina. A análise térmica mostrou três faixas de degradação, atribuídas à secagem das amostras, degradação das hemiceluloses e da própria lignina. Todos os resultados confirmaram a obtenção das ligninas Klason e Kraft. Portanto, as técnicas foram satisfatórias na transformação de resíduos em lignina com potencial para diversas aplicações comerciais, principalmente nas indústrias química e farmacêutica.

Abstract: A study of colour assessment, using the CIEL*a*b* system, was conducted with samples of Eucalyptus grandis wood thermally treated by the Brazilian industrial process of thermal modification, VAP HolzSysteme®, at three different temperatures, i.e. 140, 160 and 180 °C. Previous to the treatment, the samples were classified into three groups according to their distance to the wood pith, on the radial direction. All thermally modified samples presented a noticeable colour change, confirmed by high values of ΔE*. As the intensity of the treatment increased, the eucalypt samples presented an increase of red colour tone (a*) (up to 160 ºC) and a decrease of colour lightness (L*). Significant colour differences were found among the classified groups, for both untreated and thermally modified samples. The eucalypt samples groups showed different colour responses when thermally treated at 140 and 160 ºC. At 180 ºC the groups didn’t show a significant colour response variation.

ABSTRACT In this work, we studied the infl uence on the mechanical and physical properties of paper made of pulp from recycled cardboard and paper (printing/writing and newsprint) by adding different percentages of nanofi brillated cellulose. For each type of recycled pulp, we formed paper with incorporation of 0, 5 and 10 wt% nanofi brillated cellulose. The results showed that addition of nanofi brillated cellulose reduced the paper thickness and increased the density values. Papers with nanofi brillated cellulose presented resistance properties with values statistically superior to the treatments without addition. Addition of 10 % provided the best results, with improvement of tensile, burst and tear resistance of 97, 133 and 104 %, respectively, in comparison to normal papers. The paper produced with the recycled newspaper pulp had lower increase in mechanical properties from the nanofi brillated cellulose in relation to the papers with recycled pulp from cardboard and printing and writing paper. The considerable improvement in the mechanical properties is related to the increase of hydrogen bonds between the fi bers and nanofi bers, forming a dense network, resulting in greater surface area of nanofi brillated cellulose.

ABSTRACT The present work provides a comparative account of the morpho-anatomy of six species of Eucalyptus, namely E. badjensis Beuzev. & Welch, E. benthamii Maiden & Cambage, E. dunnii Maiden, E. grandis W.Hill, E. globulus Labill. and E. saligna Sm., Myrtaceae. Leaf samples of these six species were investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy. The observed microscopic features that can be useful in the identification and quality control of the studied species include the morphology of epicuticular waxes, presence of prismatic crystals on the leaf surface, leaf midrib shape and arrangement of its vascular system, and the presence or absence of the sclerenchymatous fiber caps in the vascular bundle.

The wood of Libidibia paraguariensis (D. Parodi) G. P. Lewis, “guayacan” is homologous to that of Diospyros ebenum J. Koenig “ebony”. It is a wood with technological and organoleptic characteristics that give excellent quality and significant future potential. For this reason study objectives were: (1) deepen the knowledge of anatomical qualities of the wood and bark; (2) analyze sapwood-heartwood ratio, and (3) characterize the growth rings. The study was conducted using samples from Guasayán, Santiago del Estero, and Villa Rio Bermejito, Chaco (Argentina). Six trees from each site were selected randomly. A wood disk from the main shaft of each individual, at a height of 1.3 m was achieved. The description of the wood and bark was performed. The relevant anatomical character with high diagnostic value was full stratification of radios. The rings are demarcated, with an average radial increment (RI) average 3.57 mm, the growth is slow-medium, with thick sapwood. The xylem has corresponding features to a mesomorphic species. The outer bark with one or two accumulated periderms, presents dehiscence in thin plates, which is a diagnostic element for field determination.

La madera de Libidibia paraguariensis (D. Parodi) G. P. Lewis “guayacán”, es homóloga a la de Diospyros ebenum J. Koenig “ébano”. Es una madera cuyas características tecnológicas y organolépticas le otorgan extraordinaria calidad y gran potencial futuro. Por este motivo los objetivos del trabajo fueron: (1) profundizar el conocimiento de las cualidades anatómicas del leño y la corteza; (2) analizar la relación albura-duramen y (3) caracterizar los anillos de crecimiento. El estudio se realizó empleando muestras provenientes de Guasayán, Santiago del Estero y Villa Rio Bermejito, Chaco (Argentina). Seis árboles de cada sitio, fueron seleccionados al azar. Se consiguió una rodaja del fuste principal de cada individuo, a una altura de 1,3 m. Se realizó la descripción del leño y de la corteza. El carácter anatómico relevante con alto valor diagnóstico resultó la estratificación completa de los radios. Los anillos son demarcados, con un incremento radial (IR) medio de 3,57 mm, el crecimiento es lento a medio, con albura gruesa. El leño presenta características correspondientes a una especie mesomórfica. La corteza externa con una o dos peridermis acumuladas, presenta dehiscencia en placas delgadas, lo cual resulta un elemento diagnóstico para la determinación a campo.

The near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy presents it self as an interesting non-destructive test tool as it enables a fast, simple and reliable way for characterizing large samplings of biological materials in a short period of time. This work aimed to establish multivariate models to estimate the crystallinity indices and tensile and burst strength of cellulosic and nanocellulosic films through NIR spectroscopy. NIR spectra were recorded from the films before tensile and bursting strength, and crystallinity tests. Spectral information were correlated with reference values obtained by laboratory procedures through partial least square regression (PLS-R). The PLS-R model for estimating the crystallinity index presented a coefficient of determination in cross-validation (R²cv) of 0,94 and the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) was 3,77. The mechanical properties of the films presented a high correlation with the NIR spectra: R²p = 0,85 (RPD = 2,23) for tensile and R²p = 0,93 (RPD = 3,40) for burst strength. The statistics associated to the models presented have shown that the NIR spectroscopy has the potential to estimate the crystallinity index and resistance properties of cellulose and nanocellulose films on in-line monitoring systems.

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, analisar a variabilidade da cor da madeira nas seções anatômicas (radial, tangencial e transversal) das espécies Breu-vermelho, Tauari-vermelho e Pequiarana, por meio de colorimetria quantitativa, utilizando o sistema CIELAB de cores. As espécies são provenientes da área de exploração florestal da empresa Mil Madeiras Preciosas, localizada no município de Itacoatiara/AM. Foram selecionadas 5 amostras da madeira de cada espécie, sendo determinados os parâmetros colorimétricos: L*, a*, b*, C e h*. Foram realizadas 225 medições no total, por meio do espectrofotômetro Konica Minolta CM-5 acoplado ao computador. As espécies Breu-vermelho, Tauari-vermelho e Pequiarana apresentaram diferenças estatísticas nos parâmetros colorimétricos, e baixa saturação na coordenada a*. De acordo com agrupamento de Cluster, a madeira de Breu-vermelho é oliva e/ou rosa-acinzentada, Tauari-vermelho é cinza-rosado e Pequiarana é rosa-acinzentado e/ou cinza-rosado. As espécies florestais apresentaram diferença de cor entre os planos anatômicos (radial, tangencial e transversal), sendo influenciados pela coloração amarela, definida no parâmetro b*. A utilização da colorimetria para conhecimento da cor da madeira mostrou-se de aplicação simples e podendo ser empregada desde o desdobro da tora, até aproveitamento final, com possibilidade de agregação de valor ao produto.

The aim of this study was to analyze wood color variability in the (radial, tangential and transversal) anatomic sections of Breu-vermelho, Tauari-vermelho and Pequiarana species through quantitative colorimetry using CIELAB color system. Such species come from a forest sustainable area of Thousand Precious Woods Company, located in Itacoatiara in the Amazon region of Brazil. Five wood samples from each species were selected so as to determine the following colorimetric parameters: L*, a*, b*, C e h*. In addition, 225 measurements were carried out with Konica Minolta CM-5 spectrophotometer connected to the computer. Results pointed out to statistical differences in the colorimetric parameters and also a low saturation in a* in the analyzed species. According to the cluster gathering, Breu-vermelho wood presents olive and/or grayish pink color, Tauari-vermelho is pinkish-gray and Pequiarana is grayish-pink and/or pinkish-gray. Such species presented differences in color among the three anatomic sections cited above and were also influenced by the yellow color defined in b* parameter. To summarize, colorimetric analysis to establish wood color is a simple procedure which may be used from the sawing of the logs until their final exploitation enabling value aggregation to the final product.

Conduziu-se este estudo, com o objetivo de analisar a espectroscopia no infravermelho próximo (NIR) aplicada à predição da massa especifica da madeira de Eucalyptus grandis. Foram coletadas 66 árvores, com 27 anos de idade, transformadas em pranchões centrais e, da base de cada pranchão foram retirados os corpos de prova, medindo 2,5 x 2,5 x 5,0 cm, no sentido medula-casca, destinados à determinação da massa especifica (aparente e básica ambas a 12% de umidade base seca) e, posterior obtenção dos espectros em espectrofotômetro de infravermelho, da marca Bruker, Tensor 37, conforme os sentidos radial, tangencial e transversal. A calibração para predizer a massa específica da madeira foi ajustada a partir da matriz de espectros obtidos a partir da face radial contendo 216 amostras. A regressão dos mínimos quadrados parciais para a estimativa da massa especifica aparente da madeira de Eucalyptus grandis apresentou coeficiente de determinação em validação de 0,74 e relação de desempenho do desvio de 2,29. As estatísticas associadas aos modelos preditivos apresentaram magnitudes adequadas para estimar a densidade da madeira de amostras desconhecidas, indicando que a técnica tem potencial para substituir os ensaios convencionais.

This study aimed to analyze use of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to estimate wood density of Eucalyptus grandis. For that, 66 27-year-old trees were logged and central planks were removed from each log. Test pieces 2.5 x 2.5 x 5.0 cm in size were removed from the base of each plank, in the pith-bark direction, and subjected to determination of bulk and basic density at 12% moisture (dry basis), followed by spectral readings in the radial, tangential and transverse directions using a Bruker Tensor 37 infrared spectrophotometer. The calibration to estimate wood density was developed based on the matrix of spectra obtained from the radial face, containing 216 samples. The partial least squares regression to estimate bulk wood density of Eucalyptus grandis provided a coefficient of determination of validation of 0.74 and a ratio performance deviation of 2.29. Statistics relating to the predictive models had adequate magnitudes for estimating wood density from unknown samples, indicating that the above technique has potential for use in replacement of conventional testing.

No presente estudo, objetivou-se comparar a resistência da linha de cola de painéis de Pinus taeda colados lateralmente com diferentes adesivos industriais. Foram analisados três tipos de adesivos (poli(vinil) acetato (PVAc), emulsão polimérica de isocianato (EPI) e poliuretano (PU)) colados em duas orientações (radial e tangencial) e avaliados após os condicionamentos de ensaio (a seco e a úmido). Foram preparados 360 corpos de prova para a determinação da resistência ao cisalhamento dos painéis colados lateralmente de Pinus taeda e, estes foram testados em máquina universal de ensaio EMIC. A resistência da linha de cola ao cisalhamento a seco foi inferior nas peças coladas no sentido tangencial para os três tipos de adesivos analisados. O adesivo PU apresentou os maiores valores médios de resistência ao cisalhamento nos condicionamentos aplicados, diferindo, estatisticamente, do adesivo PVAc e do adesivo EPI quando testado a seco e não diferindo dos demais adesivos quando testado a úmido. O maior valor percentual de falha na madeira foi observado após o ensaio de resistência ao cisalhamento a seco para o adesivo EPI colado no sentido radial. E em cisalhamento a úmido, o adesivo EPI e o adesivo PU colados no sentido tangencial apresentaram valores médios superiores de falha na madeira. Assim, foi possível concluir que a resistência da linha de cola da madeira de Pinus taeda foi influenciada pelo tipo de adesivo e pela orientação de colagem, além de se comportar diferenciadamente conforme a condição de uso (seco ou úmido).

The study compares the strength of the glue line of edge glued panels of Pinus taeda made with different industrial adhesives. Three types of adhesives (poly(vinyl) acetate (PVAc), emulsion polymer isocyanate (EPI) and polyurethane (PU)) glued in two side gluing orientation (radial and tangential) and analyzed after the conditioning tests (dry and wet) were analyzed. The 360 specimens were prepared for determining the shear strength of edge glued panels of Pinus taeda, and these were tested in a universal testing machine called EMIC. The shear strength of the glue line at dry condition was lower in the tangential side for the three types of adhesives analyzed. The PU adhesive showed the highest values of shear strength in the applied conditions, differing from PVAc and EPI adhesive when tested on dry condition and did not differ from the others adhesives when tested on wet condition. The highest percentage of wood failure was observed after the shear strength test at dry condition to EPI adhesive glued in the radial side. And in the wet condition, the EPI adhesive and PU adhesive glued in tangential side showed higher mean values of wood failure. Thus, it was possible to conclude that the strength of the glue line of Pinus taeda wood was influenced by the type of adhesive and side gluing orientation, and showed differently behavior according to the condition of use (wet or dry).

Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade da colagem de painéis compensados de Pinus taeda, produzidos com resina fenol-formaldeido de alto e baixo peso molecular, e lâminas de três diferentes classes de densidades. O experimento foi organizado em seis tratamentos, e para cada tratamento foram produzidos três painéis (repetições). Os ensaios de resistência da linha de cola aos esforços de cisalhamento foram realizados após dois ciclos de fervura e após 24 horas de imersão em água fria. Determinou-se, também, a porcentagem de falhas na madeira. Os resultados indicaram que as classes de densidade são estatisticamente diferentes entre si. Entretanto, não houve diferença significativa entre os valores médios de resistência da linha de cola dos painéis produzidos com resina de alto e baixo peso molecular, tanto para os painéis submetidos aos dois ciclos de fervura, quanto para os submetidos ao ensaio após 24 horas em água fria. A interação entre as classes de densidade das lâminas e as formulações do adesivo, igualmente, não foi significativa. A resina de baixo peso molecular (BPM) e os compensados produzidos com as lâminas de maior densidade apresentou melhor comportamento, tanto para resistência quanto para a porcentagem de falha na madeira. Conclui-se que a qualidade de colagem dos painéis compensados de Pinus taeda produzidos com lâminas de densidades diferentes e com resinas fenólicas de alto e baixo peso molecular foi satisfatória. Todos os tratamentos atendem às exigências mínimas da norma européia EN 314-1/1993, que trata da qualidade da colagem de painéis compensados.

This study aimed to evaluate the bonding quality of plywood panels from Pinus taeda using low and high molecular weight phenol-formaldehyde resin and veneers from three different density classes. The experiment consisted of six treatments, each of which produced three panels (replicates). Tests were conducted to evaluate glue line strength to shear stress after two boiling cycles and after 24 hours of cold water immersion. Also determined was the percentage of defects in wood samples. Results indicated that the density classes being assessed differed statistically. However, no significant difference was found between panels produced with high and panels produced with low molecular weight resin as to the mean values of glue line strength, whether subjecting them to two boiling cycles or after 24 hours of cold water immersion. Interactions between different density classes and adhesive formulations were found not significant either. Low molecular weight resin (BPM) and panels produced with higher density veneers were found to have better behavior, regarding both bonding strength and percentage of defects. It was concluded that the bonding quality of plywood panels from Pinus taeda was satisfactory after using different densities of veneer and also high and low molecular weight phenolic resins. All treatments were found to comply with minimum requirements established in European standard EN 314-1/1993, which addresses bonding quality of plywood panels.

ABSTRACT X-ray computed microtomography (microCT) is one of the most advanced non-destructive techniques enabling the reconstruction of wood anatomical structure and its products. This work applied the microCT to the analysis of wood anatomy of Amburana cearensis and Pinus sp. Through microCT it was possible to obtain images of the macro and microscopic wood structure of the two species, followed by the characterization, description and comparison to the literature. The advantages of microCT are discussed in relation to the preparation of histological slides, providing the integrity of wood, panels, charcoal, paper samples, etc.

RESUMO A microtomografia computadorizada de raios X (microCT) é uma das mais avançadas técnicas de análise não destrutiva e possibilita a reconstrução da estrutura anatômica da madeira e de seus produtos. O trabalho aplicou a microCT na análise da anatomia da madeira de Amburana cearensis e de Pinus sp. A microCT possibilitou a obtenção de imagens da estrutura macro e microscópica da madeira das duas espécies, permitindo a sua caracterização, descrição e comparação com a da literatura. As vantagens da microCT, em relação à confecção de lâminas histológicas, mantendo a integridade das amostras de madeira, painéis, carvão, papéis, etc. são discutidas.

Increasing search for new materials with high premium on eco-friendliness, new trend is emerging in materials development such as composites, which are well established for a wide variety of applications. With growing interest and importance of renewable bioresources has led to more stress on the use of locally available materials. This paper presents preliminary results on the preparation and characterization of composites based on Brazilian coconut fibers and starches of cassava and corn. The raw materials were characterized for their morphology, chemical composition, and thermal properties and X-ray diffraction studies. Coir fibers were also tested for their tensile properties showing increasing strength and Young's modulus with decreasing diameter, while the % elongation remaining constant. Lignin content of coir was found to be 35%. Structure and properties of composites containing 0, 5 10, 15% fibers in both the matrices and prepared by compression molding would be compared. For the 2 types of starch, there was an increase in the tensile strength by the increasing proportion of fiber. The effect of moisture in the composite stress affects the strength and percentage elongation. The water absorption was higher in the composites made from cassava starch.

This study was aimed to contribute to the knowledge of anatomy and ultra structure of the 3 species of wood of Prosopis growing in heterogeneous forest dry Chaqueño Park. The study material was collected in the province of Santiago del Estero northwest Argentina. The species studied were: Prosopis vinalillo, Prosopis alba and Prosopis nigra. The wood of the species was described macroscopically using a magnifying glass. For microscopic study were prepared permanent slides from the three planes of wood and dissociated material to measure the cellular elements. The results show that the 3 species are very similar and consistent with the structural features of the subfamily Mimosoideae. However, the number of vessels/mm² was quite variable between species and between individuals of the same species. In the cases of inter-vessel, vessel-ray and vessel-parenchyma pits is important to describe its shape, type, distribution and ornamentation. Samples observed under scanning electron microscope allowed displaying ornaments in pits and striations on the vessels walls. These striations were shown to be characteristics of the 3 Prosopis species studied.

El presente trabajo fue dirigido para contribuir al conocimiento de la anatomía y ultra estructura de la madera de 3 especies de Prosopis que crecen en formaciones vegetales heterogéneas del Parque Chaqueño seco. El material de estudio fue colectado en la Provincia de Santiago del Estero, noroeste de Argentina. Las especies estudiadas fueron: Prosopis vinalillo, Prosopis alba y Prosopis nigra. La madera de las especies fue descrita macroscópicamente a través de lupa. Para el estudio microscópico se prepararon láminas permanentes de los tres planos de la madera y del material disociado para medir los elementos celulares. Los resultados muestran que las 3 especies presentan gran semejanza estructural y concuerdan con las características generales de la subfamilia Mimosoideae. Sin embargo, el número de vasos/mm² fue un carácter bastante variable entre las especies y entre individuos de la misma especie. En los casos de las puntuaciones intervasculares, radio-vasculares y parénquimo-vasculares es importante describir su forma, tipo, distribución y ornamentación. Las muestras observadas con microscopio electrónico de barrido permitieron mostrar las ornamentaciones en las puntuaciones y las estriaciones en las paredes de los vasos. Estas estriaciones mostraron ser características de las 3 especies de Prosopis estudiadas.