Abstract
The wood is a material of biological origin and because of its chemical composition is subject to the attack of various organisms that use it as a source of food. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the natural durability and chemical composition of the Liquidambar sp. wood. Were performed the accelerated laboratory test, with a pure culture of the Postia placenta fungus, causer of brown rot , and no choice-feeding of termites Nasutitermes corniger. After both tests, the samples were dried in an oven at 103 ± 2ºC until reaching constant mass and later weighed, to evaluate the percentage of mass loss. The contents of extractives, soluble, insoluble and total lignin, and holocellulose were also determined. The studied wood obtained losses of mass of 37.79% and 23.37%, when submitted to the action of fungus and termites, respectively, and an average extractive content equal to 4.13%. It is concluded that the Liquidambar sp. wood was moderate resistance to the attack of the brown rot fungus, and little resistant to the action of employed termites.
Highlights
Over the past few years, the main species used in Brazil by the large-scale timber industries come from trees of the genus Eucalyptus and Pinus, which represent 72 and 21%, respectively, of the total area of reforested areas in the country, as data from the Brazilian Tree Industry - IBÁ (2017), with excellent use of its wood
The execution of the accelerated rot test followed the specifications of the American Society for Testing and Materials - ASTM D-2017 (2008)
For the test of forced feeding caused by termites Nasutitermes corniger, it was noticed that the wood of Liquidambar sp. presented much higher values for mass loss, when compared to Pinus sp., which was practically not attacked
Summary
Over the past few years, the main species used in Brazil by the large-scale timber industries come from trees of the genus Eucalyptus and Pinus, which represent 72 and 21%, respectively, of the total area of reforested areas in the country, as data from the Brazilian Tree Industry - IBÁ (2017), with excellent use of its wood. Species of the genus Liquidambar can be another alternative for use by Brazilian industry, mainly in the southern region of the country, presenting good growth and excellent quality wood for several uses, such as sawn wood, laminates and plywood, cooperage, fuel, cellulose and paper and boxes (Mattos et al, 2001; Lingbeck et al, 2015).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
