Características físicas e anatômicas da madeira de Tectona grandis L.f. aos 7 anos de idade

Abstract

This work aimed at the physical and anatomical characterization of Tectona grandis wood obtained from thinning, at 7 years. Five commercially planted trees were selected and wood discs were cut in different base-top positions (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the total height) for the determination of wood basic density and samples were obtained in three radial positions to fibers (length, width, diameter of lumen and wall thickness) and vessels (diameter, occupied area and frequency) dimensions. Tortoises were also cut from the basal area of the trunk and test specimens were obtained to determine wood retractability (retraction, swelling and anisotropic factor). The mean wood density found was 0.40 g.cm-3. The mean values of axial and radial retraction, volumetric retractability and anisotropic retraction factor are considerably high, indicating dimensional instability of the species. The evaluations of the physical and anatomical characteristics of wood indicated that the structures formed by the cambium have not yet reached the stabilization of their dimensions, and it is not indicated for the applications of the adult Teak wood as in the construction naval and furniture.