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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
This study focuses on the effect on wood strength and natural durability of Eucalyptus globulus and
Eucalyptus botryoides when subjected to heat treatments with low energy consumption. The objective
was to improve the wood durability, without negatively impacting the strength properties. Six-year-old
trees from Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus botryoides were used.
The samples were heat treated for 4 h conditioned to very low oxygen availability. A field test for
assessing the resistance to termites and fungal degradation was conducted according to EN 252:1989/
AC1:1989 Inspections were made every six months for 3 years. All the samples of Eucalyptus globulus
showed signs of termite and microorganisms attack, most showing extensive galleries. Eucalyptus
botryoides wood showed no sign of termite attack and only few traces of microrganisms presence. The
wood bending strength was smaller upon thermal treatment for both species, decreasing 3.8% and 4.8%
for Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus botryoides, respectively. Overall the results are promising
regarding some common utilizations, mainly floor coverings, decks, doors and door and window
frames, fences (only for Eucalyptus botryoides), decorative arbors and pergolas (only for Eucalyptus
botryoides) but excluding structural beams for building roofs or bridges due to the fragility of the wood
treated thermally towards impacts
Description
Keywords
Eucalyptus botryoides Eucalyptus globulus mechanical properties shrinkage termites wood degradation
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Maderas. Ciencia y tecnología 20(3): 489 - 498, 2018
Publisher
Universidad del Bio-