Abstract It was impregnated commercial titanium dioxide into Pinus elliottii wood, aiming to increase its durability against the attack of brown rot fungus Postia placenta and photodegradation caused by ultraviolet radiation. The samples were put under 8 bar pressure for 3 hours at different concentrations of TiO2 (0.5%, 0.25%, 0.124% and 0%-control). To evaluate the effect of the fungus on the wood, the test was carried out according to ASTM D2017-05 and UNE-EN 113:1996 with modifications. The photodegradation was performed by exposing a tangential section to ultraviolet radiation for 400 hours, and the colorimetric parameters were periodically evaluated. Statistically, the treatments with TiO2 did not differ among themselves, but were much lower than the control, showing the effectiveness of this product in protecting the wood against the attacks of degraders. As for the photodegradation, the treated wood remained practically unchanged, differently from the control that had a darkening accelerated mainly in the first 50 hours. With this information, it can be stated that TiO2 treated wood is able to hinder the fungus access to the cell wall, to inhibit its growth and to create a barrier that protects the polymers from photodegradation, increasing its durability and emerging as a potential alternative for wood treatment.

Resumen Se impregnó dióxido de titanio comercial en la madera de Pinus elliottii, con el objetivo de aumentar su durabilidad contra el ataque del hongo pardo de la Postia placenta y la fotodegradación causada por la radiación ultravioleta. Las muestras se pusieron a una presión de 8 bar durante 3 horas a diferentes concentraciones de TiO2 (0.5%, 0.25%, 0.124% y 0% de control). Para evaluar el efecto del hongo en la madera, la prueba se realizó de acuerdo con la norma ASTM D2017-05 y UNE-EN 113:1996 con modificaciones. La fotodegradación se realizó exponiendo una sección tangencial a radiación ultravioleta durante 400 horas, y los parámetros colorimétricos se evaluaron periódicamente. Estadísticamente, los tratamientos con TiO2 no diferían entre sí, pero eran mucho más bajos que el control, mostrando la efectividad de este producto en la protección de la madera contra los ataques de los degradadores. En cuanto a la fotodegradación, la madera tratada se mantuvo prácticamente sin cambios, a diferencia del control que tuvo un oscurecimiento acelerado principalmente en las primeras 50 horas. Con esta información, se puede afirmar que la madera tratada con TiO2 puede dificultar el acceso del hongo a la pared celular, inhibir su crecimiento y crear una barrera que protege a los polímeros de la fotodegradación, aumentando su durabilidad y emergiendo como una alternativa potencial para tratamiento de la madera.

Abstract: The aim of the present study is to subject Pinus elliottii wood specimens to TiO2-based modification in order to make them resistant to water and UV radiation. The microwave-assisted solvothermal method, which is little reported in the literature, was here in use for this purpose. The adopted methodology led to a 1 % mass gain; although it was a low value, it was enough to fully coat the surface of the wood with nanoparticles to the extent of changing its characteristics and turning it into a functional material. The nanoparticle distribution on the surface of the wood changed your natural topography by increasing the surface area and, consequently, increasing the contact angle of the modified wood (approximately 130°). The leaching test showed that the wood remained coated after it was immersed in water, as well as that it did not lose its water-repelling ability. This result demonstrates the stable interaction between the two materials, due to hydroxyl radicals found in them. The coating also protected the wood against UV radiation for 500 hours of intense exposure, besides preserving its initial color. The properties achieved through this simple and fast modification process provide an alternative to help to improve the performance of the herein investigated wood species, mainly for applications in environments subjected to high solar incidence and humidity.

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the variations in thermal and chemical characteristics of juvenile Eucalyptus grandis wood submitted to a deterioration test by Nasutitermes termites. For this purpose, a biodeterioration test with termites was conducted according to ASTM D 3345 (2008), in which, after the end of the period corresponding to the test (40 days), we evaluated the mass loss, chemical composition and thermal stability of the main components of the deteriorated wood samples and those belonging to the control group. We found that deterioration due to exposure of the samples to Nasutitermes sp. termites caused a mass loss of 66,88% for wood with a density at 12% moisture content of 412 kg/m3. The quantitative chemical composition showed a reduction in the contents of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Analysis of the variations of the organic functional groups related to the chemical composition of the wood by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and relative intensity of the spectral bands also showed reductions, demonstrating homogeneous deterioration of the main components of the deteriorated woods. The thermal stability showed an increase in deteriorated wood for most of the temperature ranges, mainly for those that corresponded to losses in moisture and volatiles (25 °C - 100 °C), hemicelluloses (240 °C - 300 °C), celluloses, and together with initial lignin degradation (310 °C to 400 °C), possibly due to the removal of cellulose and hemicellulose, as well as the deposition of substances expelled by the termites in the cell wall. From the results, we conclude that the termites do not have specificity regarding the chemical component and that the deterioration caused variations in the chemical composition of the wood, whereas the opposite was observed for thermal stability, which presented an increase in most of the temperatures ranges for the deteriorated woods compared to the control group.

RESUMO O Pinus elliottii Engelm. possui uma vasta possibilidade de aplicações, porém, apresenta características indesejáveis às quais podem ser atenuadas com a adoção dos tratamentos de termorretificação e a furfurilação. Assim, este trabalho analisou a influência que os tratamentos de furfurilição e termorretificação exerceram em propriedades tecnológicas da madeira de Pinus elliottii. Para tanto, confeccionaram-se corpos de prova com dimensões de 15 x 15 x 250 mm (tangencial, radial e longitudinal), distribuídos igualmente em 5 tratamentos: controle, furfurilação com carga de 25% de álcool furfurílico (T F25%) e termorretificação em diferentes temperaturas (T 180°C, T 200°C e T 220°C). Avaliaram-se a variação da massa (ΔM) segundo adaptação da norma ASTM D 2017 (2005), à massa específica aparente ao teor de umidade de 12% (ρ12%), os módulos de elasticidade (MOE) e ruptura (MOR) obtidos pelo ensaio de flexão estática conforme a norma ASTM D 143 (2014), e a variação colorimétrica da madeira em conformidade com as recomendações do sistema CIE-L*a*b*. Verificou-se que o tratamento com furfurol provocou: aumentos significativos na massa, ρ12%, MOR, e causou o escurecimento da madeira, não afetando significativamente o MOE, em 5% de probabilidade de erro. Os tratamentos de termorretificação afetaram significativamente a perda de massa, contudo a maior diferença foi observada no tratamento T 220°C, o qual acarretou redução significativa no MOR em relação ao grupo controle, destacando-se que tal tratamento deixou a madeira com coloração semelhante aquela adquirida pela madeira tratada com furfurol. Conclui-se que ambos os tratamentos causaram o escurecimento da madeira de Pinus elliottii agregando assim valor estético, sendo que o tratamento à base de furfurol, com carga de 25%, ocasionou melhora nas propriedades tecnológicas da madeira. Apesar dos tratamentos de termorretificação terem aumentado o MOE, geraram perda de massa significativa, principalmente nos tratamentos mais agressivos, comprometendo assim possíveis usos da madeira com finalidade estrutural.

ABSTRACT The Pinus elliottii Engelm. has a wide range of applications, but it has undesirable characteristics that can be attenuated with the adoption of thermal rectification and furfurylation treatments. Thus, this work analyzed the influence of two treatments of modification, furfurilatyon and thermal rectification, in technological properties of Pinus elliottii Engelm. wood. For this, samples with dimensions of 15 x 15 x 250 mm (tangential, radial and longitudinal) were prepared, distributed equally among 5 treatments: control, furfurylation with 25% loading of furfuryl alcohol (T F25 %) and thermortification at different temperatures (T 180 ° C, T 200 ° C and T 220 ° C). It were evaluated the mass loss (PM) according to ASTM D 2017 (2005), specific gravity at 12% moisture content (ρ12%), elastic modulus (MOE) and rupture (MOR) by performing the static bending test in accordance with ASTM D 143 (2014), and wood color variation in accordance with the CIE-L*a*b* system recommendations. It was verified that the treatment with furfurol caused: significant increases in the mass, ρ12%, MOR, and caused the wood darkening, not significantly affecting the MOE, in 5% probability of error. The thermal rectification treatments significantly affected the mass loss, however the highest difference was observed in the T 220 ° C treatment, which caused a significant reduction on MOR in relation to the control group, highlighting that such treatment left the wood with coloration similar to that obtained by wood treated with furfurol. It's concluded that both treatments caused darkening of Pinus elliottii wood, thus adding aesthetic value, being that the furfurol treatment with a 25% load caused an improvement on technological properties of wood. In spite of the thermal rectification treatments increased the MOE, they generated significant mass loss, mainly in the more aggressive treatments, thus compromising possible uses of the wood with structural purpose.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to form a hydrophobic surface in a highly porous wood by coating and incorporating TiO2 micro/nano structures through the microwave-assisted solvotermal method, without need any pre- or post-modification of the wood substrate, using low temperatures and short times. The behavior and morphology of the TiO2-treated surfaces was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the elemental composition was determined via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The results indicated that the crystallization of the TiO2 anatase phase was efficient and fully coated the wood surface during the solvothermal process. The treated wood contained TiO2 particles agglomerate with an average diameter of 200 nm that also allowed to coat an abundant fraction of tracheids cell walls. When investigated through X-ray spectroscopy-mapping, the element titanium appeared abundantly throughout the wood. After TiO2 growth in wood through the microwave-assisted solvotermal method, a roughness at the micro/nano scales structures was created on the wood surface, originating an increase in the contact angle up to 137°, which characterizes the appearance of a hydrophobic surface. The TiO2-treated wood demonstrated 85% of water absorption after 400 h of immersion, while untreated wood reached 160%, suggesting that the microwave-assisted solvotermal process promotes a delay in the progression of water absorption. This feature can improve the dimensional stability of wood, contributing to the increase of its durability and applications.

Abstract: This study aimed to analyze chemical changes by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of Eucalyptus dunnii and Pinus elliottii treated woods subjected to an accelerated decay test with the white rot fungus Ganoderma applanatum. The wood test specimens (2,5x2,5x0,9 cm) were impregnated with preservative solutions of chromated copper borate and synthetic pyrethroids and carbamates with 6% concentration by a vaccum-pressure process. After a decay test of 16 weeks, the chemical changes of the treated and untreated wood samples were evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. It was observed that the rot fungus attack caused a variation in the intensity and a displacement of spectrum peaks, indicating a change to the woods’ chemical composition after fungal exposure. The lignin / carbohydrate ratio indicated that the fungus had no preference for a specific cell wall component, pointing to a simultaneous deterioration of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in the treated and untreated woods. Finally, the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy technique, together with the lignin / carbohydrate ratio analysis, proved efficient in the study of the variation of the wood chemical modifications deteriorated by rot fungi.

RESUMO O presente estudo tem por objetivo produzir nanofibrilas de celulose vegetal com polpa Kraft marrom e branqueada por meio de um pré-tratamento enzimático e posteriormente um mecânico, denominado assim como processo combinado, com o intuito de diminuição de gasto energético. Para isso, as amostras de polpas de celulose foram previamente desestruturadas e encharcadas em água destilada com concentração de 3% de sólidos, afim de homogeneizá-las. Na hidrólise enzimática utilizou-se a enzima comercial Cellic CTec2, em porcentagens que variaram de 0,01 a 0,1% por diferentes períodos (1 e 2 horas). Após o tempo de hidrólise, a polpa foi passada em um moinho de discos, onde nesse processo ocorreu a medida do consumo do gasto energético com auxílio de um medidor de energia. Para a produção do gel, as polpas foram processadas pelo moinho de disco em ciclos de passagens. Para a inibição enzimática o conteúdo foi aquecido à 85°C. Os géis foram armazenados em resfriamento de 5°C. O processo foi caracterizado pelo gasto energético medido a cada amostra, além de ser medido o rendimento de cada gel produzido. De acordo com os resultados o processo combinado, apresentou-se viável para a produção de nanofibrilas de celulose vegetal, pois este diminui o gasto energético comparado com o processo mecânico e com a menor carga enzimática (0,01%). A polpa marrom mesmo sem ter passado por processos de deslignificação mostrou-se promissora na produção das nanofibrilas de celulose vegetal.

ABSTRACT The present study had as objective to produce vegetable cellulose nanofibrils with brown and bleached Kraft pulp by means of a pretreatment enzymatic and later a mechanical,known as combined process, with the purpose of decreased the energy waste. For this, cellulose pulp samples were previously destructured by water saturation and dismantled in a mechanical sheredder, after were stored under refrigeration at 5 ° C. For the enzymatic pretreatment, it was used the commercial enzyme Cellic CTec2, in percentages ranging from 0.01 to 0.1% in a controlled hydrolysis with neutral pH, at ambient temperature for one hour, being that the 0.01% amount samples underwent 1 and 2 hors enzymatic hydrolysis. After the time of hydrolysis, the pulp was passed in a disk mill, where in this process the consumption of the energy was measured with the aid of an energy meter. For the production of the gel, the pulps were processed by the disk mill passages cycles. For enzymatic inhibition the contents ewere heated to 85 ° C. The gels were stored at 5 ° C. The process was characterized by the measure energy expenditure for each sample and its controls, in addition to measuring the yield of each gel produced. According to the results the combined process was feasible for the production

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar as propriedades tecnológicas das espécies florestais Corymbia maculata. Eucalyptus dunnii e Eucalyptus saligna, e verificar as modificações nas características destas madeiras após ensaio de preferência alimentar com térmitas Nasutitermes. O ensaio de preferência alimentar foi conduzido através da norma ASTM D 3345 (2008) adaptada, avaliando a perda de massa e as propriedades mecânicas no fim do período correspondente. Para obtenção dos resultados, fez-se análise da massa específica básica (µEB), com o auxílio da norma ASTM D 143 (2014), dureza Janka nos planos tangencial e radial e o módulo de elasticidade (EC) e resistência à compressão (FC), obtidos pelo ensaio de compressão paralela às fibras, antes e após o ataque de térmitas. Acerca das propriedades tecnológicas, verificou-se que a espécie Corymbia maculata apresentou a maior µEB (0,674g/cm3) e resistência mecânica, com os maiores valores de dureza Janka em ambos os planos anatômicos (tangencial = 664,6kgf/cm2; radial = 593,8kgf/cm2) e parâmetros relacionados à compressão paralela às fibras (EC = 294.873kgf/cm2; FC = 667,7 kgf/cm2). Após o ensaio com térmitas Nasutitermes, a maior perda de massa foi observada na espécie Eucalyptus dunnii, indicando assim a sua preferência alimentar. Estes ocasionaram decréscimos não significativos nas propriedades mecânicas, quando comparada às mensuradas antes do ensaio de preferência alimentar. A partir dos resultados obtidos, conclui-se que a deterioração das madeiras por Nasutitermes, em conjunto com as características anatômicas, ocasionaram variações nas propriedades tecnológicas analisadas, contudo, as espécies Eucalyptus saligna e Corymbia maculata mostraram resistência natural elevada em relação aos cupins.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine technological properties of Corymbia maculata. Eucalyptus dunnii and Eucalyptus saligna forest species, and to verify the changes in the characteristics of these Woods after food preference assay with Nasutitermes termites. The food preference assay was conducted through of the standard ASTM D 3345 (2008) adapted, evaluating the mass loss and mechanical properties at the end of the corresponding period. To obtain the results, the basic specific mass (μEB) was analyzed, with the aid of standard ASTM D 143 (2014), Janka hardness in the tangential and radial planes and the elasticity modulus (EC) and compression resistence (FC), both obtained by the compression parallel to grain test, before and after the termites attack. About the technological properties, it was verified that the Corymbia maculata species had the highest μEB (0.674 g/cm3) and mechanical resistance, with the highestvalues of Janka hardness in both anatomical planes (tangential = 664.6 kgf/cm2, radial = 593.8 kgf/cm2) and parameters related to compression parallel to grain (EC = 294.873 kgf/cm2, FC = 667.7 kgf/cm2). After the Nasutitermes termites test, the greatest mass loss was observed in the Eucalyptus dunnii species, thus indicating its food preference. These caused insignificant decreases in the mechanical properties, when compared to those measured before the food preference assay. From the results obtained, it is concluded that the wood deterioration by Nasutitermes, together with the anatomical characteristics, caused variations in the technological properties analyzed, however, the species Eucalyptus saligna and Corymbia maculata showed high natural resistance in relation to the termites.

RESUMO O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência do tratamento combinado de impregnação com resina seguido de termorretificação em madeiras de Pinus sp. Para tal, foram selecionadas ao acaso quinze peças cúbicas de 15mm de aresta. A primeira etapa consistiu na impregnação de resina termoplástica a base de breu e a segunda etapa na termorretificação das peças de madeira a 180°C durante 30 minutos. As impregnações foram realizadas por dois métodos distintos: vácuoimersão (VT) e pressão hiperbárica (HBT). O período de vácuo foi 15min e tempo total da impregnação de três horas. A pressão empregada foi de 6000bar no HBT. Os tratamentos foram analisados por meio da retenção de solução e perda de massa. A avaliação das propriedades físicas e térmicas deu-se por meio de análise da taxa de absorção de água, inchamentos radial, tangencial e volumétrico, molhabilidade e análise termogravimétrica. A resistência biológica foi determinada a partir de ensaios de apodrecimento acelerado. Os resultados obtidos denotam que os tratamentos se mostraram eficientes, com destaque para o tratamento HBT. O ângulo de contato mostrou-se constante ao longo do tempo após os tratamentos, ao passo que as amostras controle apresentaram comportamento hidrofílico. A resistência biológica das madeiras tratadas por VT e HBT aumentou substancialmente em relação a madeira in natura de Pinus sp. Conclui-se que o tratamento combinado apresenta potencial como alternativa para incremento das propriedades físicas da madeira de Pinus sp.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the combined treatment of rosin impregnation followed by heat treatment in Pinus sp wood. Fifteen cubic samples of 15mm edge were randomly selected. The first step consisted of the impregnation of thermoplastic resin based on rosin and the second step was the heat treatment of wood at 180°C for 30 minutes. The impregnations were performed by two different methods: vacuum-immersion (VT) and hyperbaric pressure (HBT). The vacuum period was 15min and total impregnation time was three hours. The pressure in the HBT treatment was 6000bar for 15min. The treatments were analyzed through the solution retention and mass loss. The evaluation of the physical characteristics was done through the analysis of water absorption rates, radial, tangential, volumetric swellings, wettability and thermogravimetric analysis. The decay resistance was evaluated by accelerated decay tests. The results showed the efficiencyof the treatments, especially the HBT treatment. The contact angle was constant over the timefor the treated wood samples, whereas, the untreated wood sampled presented hydrophilic behavior. The decay resistance of treated wood with VT and HBT treatments increased in relation to the untreated Pinus sp. wood. The combined treatment is a potential alternative to improve the physical properties of Pinus sp. wood.

RESUMO O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência do fungo Pycnoporus sanguineus como prétratamento para biopolpação de três espécies de eucalipto. As madeiras ficaram expostas ao fungo por 30, 60 e 90 dias, em condições favoráveis. Para verificar a eficiência da deslignificação causada pelo fungo foram quantificados: perda de massa, teor de extrativos, lignina insolúvel e modificação morfológica da fibra. Os resultados demonstraram que a madeira de Eucalyptus globulus no período de 90 dias, foi a mais promissora para o pré-tratamento fúngico, onde nesse período foi o que ocorreu maior deslignificação. De modo geral, foi possível concluir que o fungo Pycnoporus sanguineus promoveu a degradação de lignina o que o torna um processo em potencial para a indústria de celulose e papel a qual necessita a retirada desses polímeros sempre visando uma produção mais econômica e ambientalmente viável.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate lignin removal efficiency of three eucalypt species through Pycnoporus sanguineus fungus inoculation. The wood samples were inoculated at different periods: 30, 60 and 90 days. To verify the efficiency of the delignification caused by the fungus were quantified: mass loss, extractives, acid insoluble lignin and morphological modification of inoculated and not inoculated fiber. The results showed that Eucalyptus globulus wood in the 90day period was the most promising for fungal pretreatment, where delignification occurred the most. In general, it was possible to concude that the fungus Pycnoporus sanguineus is efficient in the degradation of lignin, which makes it a potential process for the pulp and paper industry, which desires the removal of these polymers always aiming at the most economical production and environmental feasible.

RESUMO A madeira é um material formado basicamente por polímeros, os quais são pouco resistentes a altas temperaturas e suscetíveis ao fogo. Em aplicações é desejável que esta madeira tenha um melhor desempenho quanto à ignição e perda de resistência mecânica devido à degradação térmica de seus componentes. O aumento de desempenho pode ser obtido pela modificação das propriedades térmicas madeira através de seu tratamento. Assim, utilizou-se o processo solvotermal assistido por micro-ondas para a modificação da superfície e do interior da madeira de Pinus elliotttii com TiO2 visando o aumento da resistência à inflamabilidade e à degradação térmica pelo retardamento da carbonização. Para isso, foi preparada uma solução precursora alcoólica com isopropóxido de titânio. Com temperatura de 140°C, por 60 minutos, foram cristalizadas, na superfície interna e externa da madeira, nanopartículas de TiO2 na fase anatase. Utilizando a Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura foi possível demostrar o recobrimento uniforme e homogêneo. Através do espectro no infravermelho por Transformada de Fourier verificaram-se indícios de ligação por ponte de hidrogênio entre os dois materiais. A formação de uma camada protetora com as partículas proporcionou maior estabilidade e resistência térmica devido ao caráter cerâmico das nanopartículas de TiO2. A partir das análises termogravimétricas foi determinada uma perda de massa de 70% aos 380°C e 11% de resíduos aos 700°C, diferentemente da madeira modificada que nestas temperaturas atingiram percentagens de 45% e 46%, respectivamente. Em adição, verificou-se pelos testes de chama, retardo em cerca de 7 vezes o tempo para a ignição da madeira modificada, quando comparada com o controle. Desse modo, pode-se afirmar que a modificação da madeira pelo processo solvotermal assistido por micro-ondas foi efetiva na redução de sua inflamabilidade bem como de sua degradação com o aumento da temperatura. Cita-se ainda, que o método se apresenta com grande potencial para o aumento da qualidade da madeira e consequentemente de suas aplicações.

ABSTRACT Wood is composed by polymeric materials, with fire susceptibility. For applications, wood with better ignition resistance and lower fire stenght reduction is desirable. Enhancing of wood thermal properties can be achieved by means of right modification of wood by treatment. Thus, the microwave-assisted solvotermal process was implemented to modify the surface of the Pinus elliotttii wood with TiO2 in order to increase the resistance to flammability and thermal degradation through the retardation of carbonization. An alcoholic precursor solution with titanium isopropoxide was prepared and nanoparticles of TiO2 were crystallized to anatase on wood surface and interior at 140°C, for 60 minutes. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy, it was possible to demonstrate the uniform and homogeneous coating, and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, it was possible to indicate presence of hydrogen bonds between the two materials. The formation of protective particle layer afforded greater stability and thermal resistance due to the ceramic character of TiO2. From the thermogravimetric analysis, 70% of weigh loss at 380°C and 11% of residual content at 700°C was verified, differently from the modified wood that at these temperatures reached 45% and 46%, respectively. Corroborating with these results, it was evident from the flame tests that wood with the presence of particles delayed about 7 times the moment of ignition. Thus, the microwave-assisted solvotermal process has great potential to transform wood and other porous materials into a less flammable material, maintaining its entire structure for a longer time when exposed to adverse conditions

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study is to investigate the resistance of Eucalyptus botryoides treated with TiO2 particles to attack by the fungus Ganoderma applanatum. The Bethel treatment method was applied to wood specimens (25 × 25 × 9 mm) and compared to CCB. The wood was subjected to the accelerated decay test and characterized through Rockwell Hardness and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The TiO2-treated wood showed lower degradation and greater resistance to the penetration of a steel sphere (Rockwell Hardness) than the untreated wood. In addition, the results of the TiO2 treatment were statistically equal to those of CCB. The FT-IR analysis showed that the fungus degraded lignin and hemicellulose in untreated samples. The present results showed the TiO2 efficiency in forming a protective layer on the cell wall and in preventing the development of microorganisms, a fact that verifies its fungicidal action on wood.

Abstract: This study aimed to synthesize titanium dioxide nanoparticles by microwave-assisted hydrothermal method to incorporate them to the structure of Pinus elliottii wood. The color changes and the decay resistance of impregnated wood was investigated. The titanium dioxide nanoparticles were impregnated into Pinus elliottii wood by vacuum-pressure and simple immersion methods. Furthermore, Pinus elliottii wood was treated with chromated copper borate solution tocompare their effectiveness to the titanium dioxide treated wood. The titanium dioxide nanoparticles impregnated by vacuum-pressure were presented especially on the wood surface, forming a homogeneous coating. The titanium dioxide nanoparticles did not change the natural color of wood and, at the same time, decreased the degree of the white rot fungus (Ganoderma applanatum) colonization in the wood structure and the wood decay, compared to the untreated one. The titanium dioxide treated wood samples provided similar protection against decay in comparison to wood treated with chromated copper borate. The impegnation with titanium dioxide nanoparticles can be a good alternative to decrease/avoid the fungi proliferation, providing to Pinus elliottii wood a self-cleaning mechanism.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar, em nível de espécie, fungos emboloradores em madeira não tratada de Pinus spp. estocada em ambiente de laboratório, em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Para tanto, 10 amostras de madeira de pinus atacadas por fungos de bolor foram selecionadas para identificação das estruturas fúngicas por meio de identificação morfológica de esporos e, posteriormente, esses foram isolados e enviados para sequenciamento do fator de elongação 1-alpha (EF-1α), para sua identificação molecular. Foram obtidos cinco isolados do gênero Trichoderma e um isolado do gênero Fusarium. Esses foram identificados por meio de análise molecular como pertencentes às espécies T. atroviride e F. solani, respectivamente.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to identify the species of mold fungi in untreated wood of Pinus spp. stored at laboratory conditions in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. For this purpose, 10 Pinus spp. wood samples were randomly selected for fungal structures identification by morphological spores and subsequently, these were isolated and sent elongation factor 1-alpha (EF-1α) sequencing for molecular identification. Five isolates were obtained from the genus Trichoderma and one isolate of Fusarium. These were identified by molecular analysis as belonging to the species T. atroviride and F. solani, respectively.