The aim of this work was the evaluation of the thermal-rectification process of reforestation wood Corymbia citriodora Hook by measuring of mechanical properties under compression parallel to the grain and also determining of chemical composition. The tested samples were thermally treated in a furnace with nitrogen-atmosphere at heating rate of 0.033 ºC.min-1, at temperatures of 160, 180, 200, 220 and 240 ºC. The chemical components and mechanical properties were affected with the thermal rectification process. The contents ranged from 17.85 to 3.51% extractives, 30.44 to 53.86% lignin, 69.56 to 46.14% holocellulose and 0.31 to 0.47% ashes. The samples strength decreased from 20% to 50% and the elasticity modulus increased about 47%. The characteristic values of strength under compression were determined and these changes were about 23% lower than Brazilian standard. The best mechanical properties of Corymbia citriodora were obtained at 180 ºC.

Conduziu-se este trabalho, com o objetivo de estudar as propriedades físicas da madeira de Araucária (Araucaria angustifolia). Determinaram-se a massa específica aparente e a estabilidade dimensional de árvores de diferentes idades e em diferentes posições ao longo do fuste. A análise dos dados foi realizada em função da idade e da altura no fuste da árvore, além de terem sido relacionadas entre si e com outras variáveis dendrométricas. Verificou-se que houve variação da massa específica entre as idades estudadas, mas não foi possível determinar um padrão de variação. Ocorre uma variação de massa específica ao longo do fuste, sendo que decresce com a altura para todas as idades. A madeira obtida da parte inferior do fuste foi mais instável dimensionalmente. São apresentadas equações lineares da soma das contrações radial e tangencial em função da massa específica aparente. As equações mostraram que mais de 40% da contração foi explicada pela variação da massa específica aparente.

The objective of this work was to study the physical properties of wood from Araucaria (Araucaria angustifolia). Parameters included apparent density and dimensional stability of trees at different ages and at different positions along the stem. Data were analyzed as a function of age and height along the tree stem, and then correlated with each other and with other dendrometric variables. A variation was observed in the apparent density between ages, yet it was not possible to determine a variation pattern. A variation was found in the apparent density along the stem, decreasing with increasing heights for all ages. Wood obtained from the lower portion of the stem was more unstable dimensionally. Linear equations are provided of the sum of radial and tangential shrinkage as a function of the apparent density. Equations reveal that more than 40% of the shrinkage was explained by the variation in apparent density.

The permeability of Brazilian Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus citriodora wood was measured in a custom build gas analysis chamber in order to determine which species could be successfully treated with preservatives. Liquid permeability was tested using an emulsion of Neen oil and a control of distillated water. Air was used to test the gas phase permeability. For both Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus citriodora, the longitudinal permeability of gas was shown to be about twice as great as the liquid phase permeability. No radial permeability was observed for either wood. The permeability of air and water through the sapwood of Eucalyptus grandis was greater than that through the sapwood of Eucalyptus citriodora. The permeability of neen oil preservative through the sapwood of Eucalyptus grandis was also greater than through the sapwood of E. Citradora, but the difference was not statistically significant. Scanning Electron Microscopy images showed that the distribution and obstruction in the vessels could be correlated with observed permeability properties. Irrespective of the causes of differences in permeability between the species, the fluid phase flux through the sapwood of both species was significant, indicating that both Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus citriodora could be successfully treated with wood preservative.