Physical-mechanical properties and biological resistance of thermally modified juvenile Handroanthus chrysotrichus wood.

Abstract

Wood in its natural state is susceptible to the attack of xylophagous organisms, often requiring the use of products and techniques that enhance resistance to biological deterioration and increase the service life of the material. In this context, thermal modification is an environmentally sustainable alternative compared to others that use chemical preservatives. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the physical-mechanical properties and biological resistance of thermally modified juvenile Handroanthus chrysotrichus wood. For this purpose, specimens were manufactured for the determination of physical and mechanical properties and biological resistance. Besides control samples without thermal modification, four groups of treated specimens were analyzed, submitted to thermal modification during four hours in an oven at temperatures of 1 20, 1 50, 1 80, and 21 0 ºC. The results showed the effectiveness of the thermal modification for wood preservation. Biodeterioration was lower with rising temperature; and improved dimensional stability and increased wood density were observed, although mechanical resistance decreased in the samples treated at 21 0 ºC. In general, the treatment at 1 80ºC is better suited when considering the interaction of the studied properties.