EFFECT OF PRESTEAMING ON SOME PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF Eucalyptus dunnii WOOD

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Elias Taylor Durgante Severo
Ivan Tomaselli

Abstract

The aim of this research was to analyze the presteaming effect on the initial moisture content, initial volume, basic density and volumetric shrinkage in Eucalyptus dunnii wood. From two provenances four boards of each provenances were selected randomly. After processing, these boards were transformed into paired samples, where one group was kept as a control and the other, presteaming at 100ºC /100% of relative humidity for 30 minutes. All samples were reconditioned (100ºC /100%) for 2 ½ hours. The volumes were determined through mercury displacement and the weights and shrinkage were calculated and expressed as dry weight percentage and initial green volume, respectively. The results showed that the presteaming does not alter the initial volume and the basic density. On the other hand, the presteaming demonstrated to reduce significantly the initial moisture content and increase the volumetric shrinkage. This increase was attributed to the occurrence of collapse.

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