This study aimed to estimate the modulus of elasticity of Pinus taeda thermally modified wood by ultrasonic nondestructive method. To achieve this, 93 samples with dimensions 2.5x2.5x41.0cm (thickness, width and length) from pine boards were prepared. The wood samples were thermally modified through two distinct treatments (Combination and Oven). The Combination treatment was performed in an autoclave at 130ºC±3°C and pressure of 2kgf cm-2 for 3 hours. After a period of conditioning, the wood samples were heated in an electric oven 160°C±1°C for the same time. On the other hand, wood samples of the Oven treatment was modified with only last condition. The mathematical models showed r2 between 0.48 and 0.66 and significance at 1% of probability of error. Thus, improvement of ultrasonic nondestructive tests shows that technique could be useful and efficient in order to estimate modulus of elasticity of Pinus taeda wood.
nondestructive method; Loblolly pine; thermal modification
