Longitudinal growth stress and mechanical properties of wood fromEucalyptus spp. clones

ABSTRACT

With the increasing use of eucalypt wood in the industrial sector and against the high occurrence of growth defects and drying, which are due to the specie factor. The present study aimed to analyze technological characteristics of clones from Eucalyptus genus. 29 clones with three and seven years were selected in Tapes, state of Rio Grande do Sul. Longitudinal residual strain (LRS) in standing and vivid trees was evaluated using an extensometer CIRAD - Forêt and an ultrasound to obtain the velocity of propagation of ultrasound waves (Vsom), parameters that were used to determine longitudinal growth stress (LGS). Samples were prepared to determine the physical properties: basic specific gravity, weighed basic specific gravity and velocity of propagation of ultrasound waves. Strength and stiffness at static bending, compression parallel to the grain and Janka hardness tests were determined. Two different levels of moisture content (12% and saturation) for ultrasound and static bending tests e testing were proposed. Dynamic modulus of elasticity by ultrasound technique were determined for the two moisture conditions; and the mechanical parameters evaluated at saturation condition were also used in the determination of the longitudinal growth stress (LGS1 and LGS2). Regarding to the specific gravity and mechanical properties, the highlights were clone 1 (Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus maidenii), clone 23 (Eucalyptus saligna x Eucalyptus saligna) and clone 24 (Eucalyptus saligna x Eucalyptus saligna). From the point of view of the levels of DRL, clone 68 (Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus globulus) and clone 72 (Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus globulus) may be suitable for breeding due to the tendency of the incidence of defects from the growth stresses.

Keywords:
deformations; basic density weighted; wood quality; dynamic modulus of elasticity