The objective of this work was to evaluate some physical and mechanical properties of Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake - Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae), Melia azedarach L. - Chinaberry (Meliaceae), Lophantera lactescens Ducke - "Lanterneira" (Malpighiaceae), Pinus elliottii Engelm. - Slash Pine (Pinaceae), Inga marginata Wild - Inga (Mimosaceae), subjected to the degradation process caused by the exposition to atmospheric conditions over a period of 12 months, in two environments with different edafoclimatic characteristics, i.e., two decaying fields were set up, one within a secondary forest and the other in an open field, a pasture composed by low grass. For the evaluation, we adapted an average decay index, to express the degradation caused by biotic factors in specimens from wood exposed to both environments. The determination of apparent density, as well as the resistance to beding in the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and rupture (MOR) and parallel compression to wood fiber, was carried out before and after the exposure to atmospheric conditions. The results showed the occurrence of different reductions in the evaluated properties. Significant reductions in density occurred only in the wood originated from inside the forest, as well as reductions in the Modulus of elasticity and rupture were more accentuated in wood originate from this environment. Resistance to compression has also shown major reductions in the same environment.
Wood; deterioration; technological properties
