Abstract
The permeability of Brazilian Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus citriodora wood was measured in a custom build gas analysis chamber in order to determine which species could be successfully treated with preservatives. Liquid permeability was tested using an emulsion of Neen oil and a control of distillated water. Air was used to test the gas phase permeability. For both Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus citriodora, the longitudinal permeability of gas was shown to be about twice as great as the liquid phase permeability. No radial permeability was observed for either wood. The permeability of air and water through the sapwood of Eucalyptus grandis was greater than that through the sapwood of Eucalyptus citriodora. The permeability of neen oil preservative through the sapwood of Eucalyptus grandis was also greater than through the sapwood of E. Citradora, but the difference was not statistically significant. Scanning Electron Microscopy images showed that the distribution and obstruction in the vessels could be correlated with observed permeability properties. Irrespective of the causes of differences in permeability between the species, the fluid phase flux through the sapwood of both species was significant, indicating that both Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus citriodora could be successfully treated with wood preservative.
Highlights
Eucalyptus is a diverse genus of trees, comprising over 800 species adapted to nearly every environment[1]
Neither liquid nor air flow was detected in the radial direction for either species of Eucalyptus in the study
There is no measurable permeability for the heartwood of E. citriodora
Summary
Eucalyptus is a diverse genus of trees, comprising over 800 species adapted to nearly every environment[1]. Almost 4,000,000 ha of Eucalyptus are planted in Brazil (primarily in the southwest and northwest), and the genus is responsible for about 70% of the country’s sustainable forest production. Eucalyptus in general, and these species in specific, show great potential as structural timber, due to their favorable physical and mechanical properties[3], rapid growth rates, and adaptability to conditions in Brazil. To use this resource wisely, and to select the best possible Eucalyptus species for construction purposes, it is necessary to further explore the physical and chemical properties of the wood. Permeability of wood affects processing time and product quality, both of which affect price[7,9,10,11,12]
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