Uso de óleos vegetais para melhoria da resistência da madeira ao ataque de térmitas xilófagas

Abstract

ABSTRACT There are various compounds to increase the natural resistance of wood, but they can be harmful to humans, domestic animals and the environment. Natural products are therefore being researched to ensure the sustainability of the environment, human health and reduce the use of traditional products. The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of andiroba (Carapa guianenses), copaiba (Copaifera spp.) and jatropha (Jatropha curcas) oils in the biological resistance of Pinus elliottii wood to arboreal termites (Nasutitermes corniger). The andiroba and copaiba oils came from communities in the municipality of Santarém, Pará, and the jatropha oil from Fazenda Tamanduá, in the municipality of Santa Terezinha, Paraíba. They were used pure and enriched with sublimated iodine (1, 3, and 5% concentration). The effects of volatilization and leaching on the efficiency of the solutions against Nasutitermes corniger were evaluated. The lowest mass losses and damages were for wood impregnated with copaiba oil, both pure and enriched with iodine. The samples subjected to leaching showed the greatest damage (score = 9.33). Termite mortality was 100% at the end of the assay for all the treatments tested. Copaiba oil can be an environmentally friendly alternative to protect wood, especially wood in direct contact with humans and domestic animals and exposed to environments where Nasutitermes corniger is likely to attack, as it has the lowest mass losses (7.51-6.14%). However, it is not exposed to situations that could cause leaching.