Alterações das propriedades físicas da madeira de Apuleia leiocarpa pela termorretificação

Abstract

The importance of wood and its diverse applications has been widely discussed. With the rapid advancement of technology, it is now possible to alter wood properties without the use of chemical compounds that may be harmful to fauna and flora. Thermal modification is one such method, involving high-temperature treatment that reduces the wood's hygroscopicity—its ability to absorb moisture from the air. This process enhances durability, reduces susceptibility to fungal attacks, and improves dimensional stability. This study investigates the thermal modification effects on Apuleia leiocarpa (commonly known as Garapa), a widely utilized wood species in Brazil. Samples were subjected to thermal treatment at three different temperatures: 103°C (used for standard drying over 24 hours), 170°C, and 200°C. These samples were divided into two groups: with fiber orientation and without fiber orientation, and were treated for 5 hours. Although thermal modification is still not widely adopted in Brazil, there is growing interest among companies in improving material processing methods by avoiding chemical usage, thereby reducing costs and promoting environmental sustainability. This research aims to contribute to the understanding of thermal modification effects on Apuleia leiocarpa, and to assess whether this method yields beneficial results for industrial applications.