The objective of this research was to evaluate the dimensional stability of tropical pine species and establish correlations between shrinkage, anisotropy, and density. Seven species of tropical pines were utilized: Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis, Pinus caribaea var. caribaea, Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis, Pinus chiapensis, Pinus maximinoi, Pinus oocarpa, and Pinus tecunumanii; Pinus taeda was also used as reference. The samples were from 17 and 18-year-old experimental plantings located in the municipalities of Ventania, State of Parana and Itararé, State of Sao Paulo. Dimensional stability was evaluated according to the COPANT 462 (1972c) norm. The results indicated that Pinus chiapensis is an unstable species (Ac > 2.6), and that other tropical pine species and Pinus taeda presented low average stability (2.1 to 2.5). There were no strong correlations between the properties proposed probably due to the presence of resin and extractives, which can alter density and inhibit contraction.
wood quality; shrinkage; anisotropy