Influência do tratamento térmico nas propriedades da madeira de Parkia pendula (Willd.) Benth. ex Walp

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the influence of heat treatment on the properties of Parkia pendula wood, correlating temperature with treatment time. To this end, specimens measuring 2 x 2 x 12 cm (thickness x width x length) were prepared and subjected to heat treatments using two temperatures at two different times (180°C x 1h, 200°C x 1h, 180°C x 2h, 200°C x 2h and Control) to characterize mass loss, colorimetry, Rockwell hardness and water absorption rate. With the results, it was observed a loss of mass as the severity of the treatment increased; regarding colorimetry, it was found that the wood underwent surface darkening as the degree and duration of treatment increased. A decrease in Rockwell hardness and a significant reduction in water absorption were observed, indicating that heat-treated wood can reduce the hygroscopicity of wood. The best results were evident in treatment 4 at 200°C for 2 hours.