Abstract: The finishing quality of wood products depends on the material's surface and its intrinsic properties. Dynamic wettability is a simple and efficient way to understand the behavior of materials related to solid-liquid interactions according to theoretical and practical perspectives. Thus, we sought to investigate the wettability of Imbuia (Ocotea spp.), Red oak (Quercus spp.), and Pine (Pinus elliottii) woods and its effects before and after sanding. Through the sessile drop technique, we evaluated contact angle and work of adhesion. Sanding changed the samples’ surface quality due to the decrease in contact angle and the increase in the work of adhesion. In addition, the droplet spreading and adsorption observed on the surface of the woods are an indicator of wettability. Pine and Red oak had their dynamic contact angle reduced by up to 43 %. However, Imbuia was less susceptible to the effects of sanding, since it was found to be a more hydrophobic species; thus, this wood has a more stable surface in terms of dynamic wettability. This may be a result of the effect of low molecular weight compounds on the surface of Imbuia wood. The preparation of the wood surface depends on a synergy between the finishing processes and the chemical composition of the surface. Therefore, the results found can indicate which coatings are more suited to these woods.

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 Background: Determining the basic density of the wood is usually defined as a simple process, but it requires caution and the operator’s skill to avoid errors in the analysis. In addition, it involves sample preparation and time to saturate the wood until obtaining the dry sample mass. The development of alternative measurement techniques could reduce the time to obtain the results and provide reliable values. Therefore, this study aimed to develop multivariate models to estimate the basic density of native woods using near-infrared spectra (NIR). Basic densities were determined by the water immersion method, and the values were associated with NIR signatures. Spectra were directly collected on the wood transversal and radial faces with an integrating sphere. Partial least squares regression (PLS-R) was calibrated and validated to estimate basic density based on spectral signatures. Results: In the cross-validation and prediction of the models, the results were promising. The coefficients of determination varied from 0.87 to 0.93 with a standard error of 0.01 %. The partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) efficiently classified the wood species. The ratio of performance to deviation obtained satisfactory values, a minimum of 2.81 and a maximum of 4.20. Conclusion: The statistical parameters of the models based on NIR spectra showed potential for density measurements in floors, furniture, and solid wood products.

Abstract: The wood is exposed to possible damages caused by weather, requiring the application of a finishing coat to provide extra protection. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of the addition of microfibrillated cellulose in waterborne varnish on the colorimetric parameters, wettability and finish characteristics of wood products. Color was evaluated with a CM-5 spectrophotometer; surface wettability was analyzed by contact angle measurement using a drop shape analysis goniometer; and abrasion, adhesion and impact tests were performed to evaluate the quality of the coating. The coating’s optical characteristics were not affected by the addition of microfibrillated cellulose. The changes in wood wettability were small, with no statistical difference between the wood treated with plain varnish and that with unbleached microfibrillated cellulose. In the analysis of the variation of the contact angle during the elapsed time, the coating containing unbleached microfibrillated cellulose presented the best results. The results of finish quality did not show numerical changes after the addition of the microfibrillated cellulose, but qualitatively the microfibrillated cellulose caused better anchoring of the coating to the specimens. Therefore, the use of microfibrillated cellulose as reinforcement in coatings has potential, but tests with different consistencies and tests of other properties are necessary.

Abstract Metal particles are used in abrasive blasting to provide cleaning, new shapes, or fatigue resistance to surfaces, depending on the format of these particles. However, these particulates constitute large amounts of waste with no proper treatment. In this scenario, this paper aims to compare two surface treatment methods using metallic particles on Pinus taeda wood: abrasive blasting and hot pressing. The size and shape of the particles were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and their chemical constitution by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). After each treatment, the wood surface was subjected to wettability and colorimetric tests. The hot pressing treatment and the copper slag particles provided the lowest wettability. The color changes were significant after both methods, highlighting their potential as a new finishing technique.

Resumo Diante da elevada demanda por madeira de qualidade pelo setor florestal e madeireiro, o conhecimento das propriedades de novas espécies florestais torna-se imprescindível para que se tenha um comércio abastecido e diversificado, reduzindo assim, a exploração de um pequeno grupo de espécies em função do desconhecimento das demais. Desta forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as propriedades físicas, químicas e de superfície da madeira de quatro espécies da Amazônia. Foram utilizadas amostras de madeira de timborana (Piptadenia suaveolens), pequiá (Caryocar villosum), sucupira amarela (Bowdichia nitida) e maçaranduba (Manilkara huberi). As madeiras foram avaliadas quanto a sua composição química, propriedades físicas (densidade, porosidade, contrações e umidade) e propriedades de superfície (colorimetria e molhabilidade). Na madeira de pequiá obteve-se os maiores percentuais de holocelulose (73,42%), extrativos (5,10%) e cinzas (1,06%). Observou-se que as madeiras de maçaranduba e sucupira amarela foram as mais densas, com valores de densidade aparente de 0,96 e 0,98 g/cm³, respectivamente. Na madeira de timborana registrou-se a maior estabilidade dimensional, obtendo valores de 2,03 (βr), 4,45 (βt) e 7,23 (βv). Já nas propriedades de superfície, conforme os valores dos parâmetros colorimétricos, as madeiras classificaram-se como rosa-acinzentado (timborana), oliva-amarelado (pequiá), oliva (sucupira amarela) e marrom-escuro (maçaranduba). Com relação a molhabilidade, verificou-se redução do ângulo de contato da água de 5 s para 10 s, em ambas as madeiras e planos. E constatou-se que as madeiras timborana diferiram estatisticamente quando se analisou o ângulo de contato em relação à face da madeira e o tempo. Assim, as madeiras tropicais avaliadas apresentaram propriedades relevantes para aplicações diversas no comércio madeireiro.

Abstract The high demand for quality wood by the forestry and timber sector, the knowledge of the properties of new forest species becomes essential to have a stocked and diversified trade, thus reducing the exploitation of a small group of species due to the unfamiliarity of the other species. Thus, the objective of this work was to analyze the physical, chemical, and surface properties of the wood of four species of the Amazon. Samples of timborana (Piptadenia suaveolens), pequiá (Caryocar villosum), sucupira (Bowdichia nitida) and maçaranduba (Manilkara huberi) were obtained. The wood was evaluated for their chemical constitution, physical properties (density, porosity, shrinkage, and moisture content) and surface properties (color and wettability). The highest percentage of holocellulose (73,42%), extracts (5,10%) and ashes (1,06%) were obtained in the pequiá wood. It was observed that the maçaranduba and sucupira were the densest, with apparent density values of 0,96 and 0,98 g/cm³, respectively. In timborana wood the greatest dimensional stability was registered, obtaining values of 2,03 (βr), 4,45 (βt) and 7,23 (βv). In the surface properties, according to the values of the colorimetric parameters, the woods were classified as pinkish gray (timborana), yellowish olive (pequiá), olive (sucupira) and dark brown (maçaranduba). Regarding wettability, there was a reduction in the water contact angle from 5 s to 10 s, in both wood and planes. And it was found that the timborana woods differed statistically when the contact angle in relation to the face of the wood and the time was analyzed. Thus, the tropical woods evaluated presented relevant properties for various applications in the timber trade.

RESUMO O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência do tratamento combinado de impregnação com resina seguido de termorretificação em madeiras de Pinus sp. Para tal, foram selecionadas ao acaso quinze peças cúbicas de 15mm de aresta. A primeira etapa consistiu na impregnação de resina termoplástica a base de breu e a segunda etapa na termorretificação das peças de madeira a 180°C durante 30 minutos. As impregnações foram realizadas por dois métodos distintos: vácuoimersão (VT) e pressão hiperbárica (HBT). O período de vácuo foi 15min e tempo total da impregnação de três horas. A pressão empregada foi de 6000bar no HBT. Os tratamentos foram analisados por meio da retenção de solução e perda de massa. A avaliação das propriedades físicas e térmicas deu-se por meio de análise da taxa de absorção de água, inchamentos radial, tangencial e volumétrico, molhabilidade e análise termogravimétrica. A resistência biológica foi determinada a partir de ensaios de apodrecimento acelerado. Os resultados obtidos denotam que os tratamentos se mostraram eficientes, com destaque para o tratamento HBT. O ângulo de contato mostrou-se constante ao longo do tempo após os tratamentos, ao passo que as amostras controle apresentaram comportamento hidrofílico. A resistência biológica das madeiras tratadas por VT e HBT aumentou substancialmente em relação a madeira in natura de Pinus sp. Conclui-se que o tratamento combinado apresenta potencial como alternativa para incremento das propriedades físicas da madeira de Pinus sp.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the combined treatment of rosin impregnation followed by heat treatment in Pinus sp wood. Fifteen cubic samples of 15mm edge were randomly selected. The first step consisted of the impregnation of thermoplastic resin based on rosin and the second step was the heat treatment of wood at 180°C for 30 minutes. The impregnations were performed by two different methods: vacuum-immersion (VT) and hyperbaric pressure (HBT). The vacuum period was 15min and total impregnation time was three hours. The pressure in the HBT treatment was 6000bar for 15min. The treatments were analyzed through the solution retention and mass loss. The evaluation of the physical characteristics was done through the analysis of water absorption rates, radial, tangential, volumetric swellings, wettability and thermogravimetric analysis. The decay resistance was evaluated by accelerated decay tests. The results showed the efficiencyof the treatments, especially the HBT treatment. The contact angle was constant over the timefor the treated wood samples, whereas, the untreated wood sampled presented hydrophilic behavior. The decay resistance of treated wood with VT and HBT treatments increased in relation to the untreated Pinus sp. wood. The combined treatment is a potential alternative to improve the physical properties of Pinus sp. wood.

Abstract: This study aimed to synthesize titanium dioxide nanoparticles by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method to incorporate them to the structure of Pinus elliottii wood. The color changes and the decay resistance of impregnated wood was investigated. The titanium dioxide nanoparticles were impregnated into Pinus elliottii wood by vacuum-pressure and simple immersion methods. Furthermore, Pinus elliottii wood was treated with chromated copper borate solution tocompare their effectiveness to the titanium dioxide treated wood. The titanium dioxide nanoparticles impregnated by vacuum-pressure were presented especially on the wood surface, forming a homogeneous coating. The titanium dioxide nanoparticles did not change the natural color of wood and, at the same time, decreased the degree of the white rot fungus (Ganoderma applanatum) colonization in the wood structure and the wood decay, compared to the untreated one. The titanium dioxide treated wood samples provided similar protection against decay in comparison to wood treated with chromated copper borate. The impegnation with titanium dioxide nanoparticles can be a good alternative to decrease/avoid the fungi proliferation, providing to Pinus elliottii wood a self-cleaning mechanism.

Resumo O presente trabalho teve por objetivo a confecção de compósitos polímero-madeira por meio de polimerização in situ de metil metacrilato (MMA), utilizando ácido metacrílico (MAA) e glicidil metacrilato (GMA) como agentes de ligação e reticulação. Amostras de madeira de guapuruvu foram impregnadas em um sistema de vácuo e pressão e polimerizadas em estufa a 90°C por 10h, usando 1,5% de peroxido de benzoíla como catalisador. Os compósitos foram caracterizados por meio de testes de absorção de água e estabilidade dimensional, molhabilidade, ATR-IR, TGA, MEV e WPG. Os espectros de ATR-IR mostraram incrementos nas bandas a 1746, 1460, e 1145 cm–1, referentes as estruturas químicas dos polímeros dentro da madeira, confirmado posteriormente pelas imagens de MEV. A termogravimetria apontou reações químicas entre os copolímeros e a parede celular da madeira nos compósitos com GMA e MAA. Os compósitos preparados com MMA apresentaram incrementos acima de 50% nas propriedades higroscópicas e de estabilidade dimensional, entretanto a adição de GMA e MAA resultou em maiores incrementos nas mesmas propriedades, entre 66-90%.

Abstract We prepared wood/polymer composites by in situ polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) using glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and methacrylic acid (MAA) as cross-linkers and coupling agents. The guapuruvu wood samples were impregnated in a vacuum/pressure system and polymerized at 90 °C for 10 h, using benzoyl peroxide at 1.5 wt % as catalyst. We characterized the composites through water uptake, dimensional stability tests, wettability, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, TGA, SEM, and WPG. ATR-FTIR spectra showed an increase of the peaks at 1746, 1460, and 1145 cm-1, corresponding to the chemical structures of the polymers into the pores and capillaries of the wood. This was further confirmed in the SEM images. TGA curves showed evidences for a chemical interaction between the copolymer and the wood cell wall in the composites with GMA and MAA. Hygroscopicity and dimensional stability properties of the composites prepared with MMA improved by 50%. Nevertheless, the addition of GMA and MAA resulted in additional increases for hydrophobicity and dimensional stability of the samples, ~ 66 – 90%.

We investigated the effect of outdoor exposure on the wood surface from three fast - growing Brazilian eucalypts through color, wetting and thermal analyzes. Gympie messmate (Eucalyptus cloeziana), rose gum (Eucalyptus grandis) and blue gum (Eucalyptus saligna) woods were exposed outdoors in a subtropical region for 360 days. We performed three collections every 120 days. We investigated color changes of untreated and weathered woods through a spectrophotometer (CIEL*a*b* system) and changes in macro compounds of wood through thermogravimetric analysis. In addition, the apparent contact angle and work of adhesion were evaluated using a goniometer. Outdoor exposure for 120 days provided significant increment in grayish of wood surface. Thermogravimetric curves of wood changed after the weathering, especially in the regions related to hemicelluloses and lignin thermal degradation. Outdoor exposure for 360 days converted hydrophilic wood surface into a very hydrophilic one, wherein occurrence of microcracks contributed to fully spreading of water droplets.

RESUMO O presente trabalho objetivou a avaliar a eficiência de herbicida na redução dos efeitos das tensões de crescimento quanto à incidência de rachaduras de topo e empenamentos em tábuas oriundas de árvores de Eucalyptus grandis.Para tanto, selecionaram-se ao acaso 40 indivíduos arbóreos,subdivididos em quatro tratamentos com aplicação de herbicida (princípio ativo "Imazapyr") e um tratamento testemunha (sem aplicação de herbicida), com oito repetições cada. Após a ação do herbicida, as árvores foram derrubadas e a primeira tora de cada indivíduo foi seccionada. Estas foram desdobradas em peças de madeira serrada para análise antes e depois da operação de secagem ao ar livre. Os resultados indicaram maior eficiência do herbicida nos tratamentos 4 e 5 quanto ao efeito das tensões de crescimento na forma de rachaduras de topo nas tábuas. Para o arqueamento, os tratamentos 2 e 4 apresentaram os menores graus de defeitos. A flecha de encurvamento sofreu influência da operação de secagem ao ar livre, enquanto o encanoamento não foi verificado de forma significativa nas peças de madeira serrada dos cinco tratamentos estudados

ABSTRACT This work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of herbicide in reduction of growth stress effects on the incidence of splits and warps on boards originated fromEcalyptus grandis trees. For this, 40 trees were randomly selected, subdivided into four chemical treatments with application of herbicide ("Imazapyr" active principle) and one treatment without herbicide application, with eight repetitions each. After the action of herbicide, the trees were harvested and the first log of each tree was cut. The logs were sawn to perform the analyzes before and after air drying operation. The results indicated higher efficiency of herbicide in treatments 4 and 5 on the effect of growth stresses in the form of splits in the boards. For the crook, the treatments 2 and 4 showed the lowest levels of defects. The bow had influence of air drying operation, while the cup was not observed significantly in the pieces of sawn timber from five treatments.

As propriedades mecânicas por flexão estática da madeira resinada de Pinus elliottiiforam avaliadas por meio de testes destrutivos e não destrutivos. Para tanto, foram confeccionados corpos de prova de 10x10x200mm3 (radial, tangencial e longitudinal), levando em consideração dois fatores: lenho (juvenil, próximo à medula e adulto, próximo à casca) e resina, isto é, corpos de prova oriundos de toras com e sem estrias de resinagem. Para a avaliação não destrutiva, utilizou-se um aparelho de ultrassom com transdutores do tipo ponto seco, em que se pode calcular a velocidade da onda ultrassônica e consequentemente o módulo de elasticidade dinâmico (ED). Para obtenção do módulo de elasticidade (MOE) e do módulo de ruptura (MOR), realizou-se o ensaio destrutivo de flexão estática de três pontos. De posse das curvas de força x deformação, calculou-se a fragilidade do material. Os resultados confirmaram que o fator lenho foi significativo para as propriedades analisadas e o fator resina, em especial, para aumento do MOR e da massa específica. A fragilidade aumentou quando analisada a madeira juvenil e o fator resina quando incluso tendeu a aumentar a fragilidade no lenho adulto. O modelo de regressão múltiplo com variáveis Dummies, proposto para estimar o MOE pelo ED, foi significativo em 1% de probabilidade de erro (r2=0,75). Os resultados apresentados no presente trabalho mostraram que os fatores lenho e resina não afetaram negativamente as propriedades mecânicas da madeira de Pinus elliottii,em que, para o segundo fator, conclui-se, de maneira geral, que a madeira serrada oriunda de toras resinadas pode não representar danos significativos quando em serviço estrutural

The mechanical properties for static bending of Pinus elliottiitapped wood were evaluated by nondestructive and destructive tests. To achieve this, samples measuring 10x10x200mm3 (thickness, width and length) were prepared considering two factors: wood (juvenile, near to pith and mature, near to bark) and rosin, i.e., samples from logs with and without tapping grooves. The nondestructive evaluation were performed using an ultrasound equipment with dry-point transducers in order to measure the ultrasonic velocity and, consequently, the dynamic modulus of elasticity (ED). The modulus of elasticity (MOE) and the modulus of rupture (MOR) were measured through static bending tests. The wood brittleness were determined through the analysis of force x deformation plots. The results confirmed the significance of wood factor for the properties analyzed and the factor rosin, especially for MOR and density. The brittleness increased for the juvenile wood and, when included the factor rosin, this property tends to increase for the mature wood. The multiple regression model with Dummies variables proposed to estimate MOE as a function of ED was significant at 1% of probability of error (r2=0.75). Moreover, the results showed that factor wood and factor rosin did not negatively affect the mechanical properties of Pinus elliottiwood. In general, the timber from tapped logs could not represent significant damages when in structural service

RESUMOA madeira de acácia-negra tem sido utilizada em nichos que conferem pouco valor agregado à esse material. Diante disso, este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as deformações residuais longitudinais (DRL) e suas relações com propriedades da madeira de Acacia mearnsii. Para tanto, foram selecionadas 60 árvores em plantios com idades distintas (4 e 7 anos) no Município de Piratini, RS. As características de crescimento avaliadas consistiram em diâmetro à altura do peito (1,3 m; DAP), espessura de casca (EP) e altura comercial (h). As propriedades físicas avaliadas massa específica básica (ρ) e teorde umidade à base seca (Tu). Já o tempo de propagação de onda ultrassonora foi determinado em conformidade com o procedimento NBR 15521. As propriedades mecânicas foram o módulo de elasticidade dinâmico (Ed), bem como as propriedades descritas no procedimento normativo D143-94, através dos ensaios de flexão estática, compressão paralela às fibras e Dureza Janka. ADRLesuas relações com as propriedades da madeira mostraram-se semelhantes aos resultados encontrados na literatura para a madeira de espécies do gênero Eucalyptus. No entanto, em magnitude, tais níveis se mostraram sensivelmente menores, conferindo à madeira de acácia-negra no que se refere a esse parâmetro de qualidade, indicação para a confecção de produtos sólidos.

ABSTRACTThe black wattle wood has been used in niches that confer low value to this material. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the longitudinal residual strain (LRS) and its relations with Acacia mearnsii de wild wood properties. To achieve this, 60 trees with 4 and 7 years were selected from a forest population located in Piratini, RS. Diameter at breast height (1.3 m; DBH), bark thickness (BT) and commercial height (h) were evaluated. The physical properties evaluated were specific gravity (ρ) and moisture content on dry basis (Tu). The propagation time of ultrasonic wave was determined as described in NBR 15521 and then the dynamic modulus of elasticity (Ed) was measured. The mechanical properties was evaluated according to D143-94 standard by static bending, parallel compression to fibers and Janka hardness tests. The LRS and its relations with the wood properties were similar to the results found in the literature for wood fromEucalyptus species. However, in magnitude, these levels were sensibly lower, givingblack wattleindication to produce solid wood products, when it comes to this quality parameter.

Foram avaliadas as propriedades físico-mecânicas de painéis aglomerados produzidos com diferentes proporções de madeira (Eucalyptus grandis) e bambu (Bambusa vulgaris). Os painéis foram produzidos utilizando o adesivo ureia-formaldeído com a adição de 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% de bambu. Para cada tratamento, determinaram-se as propriedades físicas (massa específica; teor de umidade; absorção de água e inchamento em espessura após 2 e 24 horas de imersão em água) e mecânicas (flexão estática; ligação interna; e arrancamento de parafusos). Os resultados obtidos indicaram que o acréscimo das partículas de bambu proporcionou uma redução significativa na qualidade dos painéis para os parâmetros avaliados, apresentando uma maior absorção de água e uma menor resistência à flexão estática e ao arrancamento de parafuso.

It was evaluated the physical and mechanical properties of particleboard produced with different proportions of wood (Eucalyptus grandis) and bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris). The boards were produced using urea-formaldehyde adhesive with the addition of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of bamboo. For each treatment were determined physical properties (specific gravity, moisture content, water absorption and thickness swelling after 2 and 24 hours water immersion) and mechanical properties (static bending, internal bond and screw withdrawal). The results indicated that the addition of particles of bamboo provided a significant reduction in the quality of panels for most parameters, showing higher water absorption and a lower resistance to static bending and screw withdrawal.

This study aimed to characterise the effect of thermal treatment on physical and mechanical properties of açoita-cavalo (Luehea divaricata) wood. To achieve this, samples were treated at 160, 180 and 200°C for 2 h in an oven (dry conditions). Physical and mechanical characterisation was performed by weight loss, dry specific gravity at 12%, equilibrium moisture content, volumetric swelling and shrinkage, water absorption, water repellence, static bending and brittleness tests. Roughness and colour tests were performed in order to evaluate the modified surface. Main findings showed that dimensional stability of thermally modified wood increased, while mechanical strength of wood decreased as a function of temperature. A darkening of wood and a decrease in roughness were observed.