ABSTRACT In the Brazilian planted forest sector, most of the species used are from the genus Eucalyptus. Even though Southern Brazil has a suitable climate for species of the genus Pinus, the planting of frost-resistant Eucalyptus species has been increasing annually. The objective of this study was to evaluate the basic density, fiber dimensions, and chemical composition of Eucalyptus benthamii, Eucalyptus dunnii, Eucalyptus saligna, and Eucalyptus cloeziana woods. The trees used were from a six-year-old experimental plantation located in Canoinhas, state of Santa Catarina. For each species, three trees were selected, and discs were removed from each tree at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the commercial stem height. To evaluate the quality of the wood, the basic wood density, fiber dimensions, and chemical composition of the wood were determined by comparing the values between species and between the heights in the stem. The highest basic density was that of the wood of E. cloeziana; this species also had the greatest length and width of fibers. E. dunnii had the lowest levels of lignin and the highest levels of holocellulose. The highest lignin content was found in the wood of E. benthamii, E. saligna, and E. cloeziana. The relationship between wood properties and stem height was not relevant. The results highlight the tendency for higher extractives to be found at taller heights (100%), and holocellulose and lignin content are similar at all heights.

RESUMO No setor de florestas plantadas brasileiro, a maioria das espécies utilizadas são do gênero Eucalyptus. Embora o Sul do Brasil tenha clima propicio para espécies do gênero Pinus, o plantio de espécies de Eucalyptus resistentes à geada vem aumentando anualmente. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a densidade básica, as dimensões das fibras e a composição química da madeira de Eucalyptus benthamii, Eucalyptus dunnii, Eucalyptus saligna e Eucalyptus cloeziana. As árvores utilizadas foram provenientes de um plantio experimental de seis anos localizado em Canoinhas, estado de Santa Catarina. Para cada espécie, três árvores foram selecionadas e os discos foram removidos de cada árvore a 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% e 100% da altura do caule comercial. Para avaliar a qualidade da madeira, a densidade básica, as dimensões das fibras e a composição química foram determinadas comparando-se os valores entre as espécies e entre as alturas no fuste. A maior densidade básica foi a da madeira de E. cloeziana; esta espécie também apresentou o maior comprimento e largura das fibras. E. dunnii apresentou os menores teores de lignina e os maiores teores de holocelulose. O maior teor de lignina foi encontrado na madeira de E. benthamii, E. saligna e E. cloeziana. A relação entre as propriedades da madeira e a altura do fuste não foi relevante. Os resultados destacam a tendência de maiores extrativos serem encontrados nas partes mais altas (100%), e os teores de holocelulose e lignina são similares em todas as alturas.

Resumo A Cryptomeria japonica é uma conífera, de origem japonesa, com potencial para produção de polpa celulósica, porém pouco se conhece sobre o seu comportamento quando submetida a diferentes cargas de reagentes. Dessa forma, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da carga alcalina nos parâmetros de polpação kraft da madeira de Cryptomeria japonica, visando entender a sua demanda química para obtenção de diferentes níveis de deslignificação. Para isso, utilizou-se a madeira de árvores com 13 anos de idade, que foi caracterizada quanto à densidade básica, composição química e morfologia dos traqueídeos e submetida a curvas de cozimento com diferentes níveis de álcali, variando de 14 a 28%. Após os cozimentos, a polpa e o licor negro obtidos foram avaliados com intuito de entender o efeito da carga alcalina sobre os mesmos. Com base nos resultados obtidos conclui-se que a madeira de Cryptomeria japonica é mais indicada para produção de polpa celulósica de fibra longa não branqueada. Isso devido a sua madeira apresentar alto teor de lignina, que dificulta o processo de deslignificação e baixa densidade básica, que resulta em baixo rendimento. Assim, para otimizar o uso da espécie, é mais indicado trabalhar com polpa celulósica com alto número kappa, a qual é possível aliar um bom rendimento em polpa.

Abstract The Cryptomeria japonica is a conifer, from Japan, with the potential for pulp production, but little is known about their behavior when subjected to different reagent loads. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of the alkaline charge on the kraft pulping parameters of Cryptomeria japonica wood, in order to understand its chemical demand to obtain different delignification levels. For this, we used the wood from trees with 13 years old, which was characterized as to the basic density, chemical composition and tracheids morphology and subjected to cooking curves with different levels of alkali, ranging from 14 to 28%. The pulp and black liquor obtained were evaluated in order to understand the effect of the alkaline charge on them. Based on the results obtained in the cooking curves, applying different alkaline charges, it's concluded that the Cryptomeria japonica wood is more suitable for producing unbleached pulp of long fiber. This is because of its wood present high lignin content, which complicates the delignification process, and low basic density, resulting in low yield. Thus, to optimize the use of this species, it's more indicated to work with pulp with high kappa number, which is possible to combine a good pulp yield.

Abstract: The search for new technologies to improve adhesives and the properties of reconstituted wood panels is constant, and nanotechnology is a tool for this purpose. The aim of this study is investigating the effect of adding nanocellulose in the formulation of the adhesive phenol-formaldehyde on the physico-mechanical properties of Pinus taeda plywood panels. Three ratios of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) were added to the adhesive formulation used to produce plywood panels: 0,026 %; 0,038 % or 0,064 %. The panels were tested according to the European standards; apparent density, resistance to parallel and perpendicular flexure and glue line shear strength were determined after 6 hours of boiling and after the boiling cycle for the 1st glue line (face) and 2nd glue line (core). The use of NFC in the adhesive caused an increase of viscosity and reduction of the gel time of the adhesive. The apparent density of the panels was not influenced by the addition of NFC, but the properties of parallel bending, perpendicular flexing and glue line shear were sensitive to the addition of NFC. The NR2 treatment (0,038 % NFC) presented the best results in the mechanical tests.

Abstract: Thermal modification is a treatment that seeks to improve the properties of wood and reduce the heterogeneity in its color. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of thermal treatment on the anatomical, chemical, physical, mechanical, colorimetric, and thermal stability properties of teakwood. For this, teakwood samples were treated by an industrial autoclave at final cycle temperature of 160 ºC. The reduction of cell wall thickness, the formation of cross-fissures and the crystallization of the wax inside the pores were observed in the anatomical structure. Chemically, the extractives evaporated and the polysaccharides ruptured, of which hemicellulose was the most affected. The heat treatment promoted lower equilibrium moisture, reducing the hygroscopicity and improving the dimensional stability of the wood. Considering the mechanical properties, the rupture modulus and the longitudinal and tangential hardness decreased after the heat treatment. The color of the wood changed significantly, from pink to dark brown. The treated wood had higher thermal stability, with greater weight loss at higher temperatures than the untreated wood.