Evaluation of densification of Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. in its density and modulus of elasticity

Abstract

The densified of wood is a mechanism of deformation that occurs during the manufacture of composite products. This technology aims at the dimensional stabilization of wood and increases its mechanical properties. The objective of the research was to densify Gyrocarpus americanus Jacq. wood and to evaluate the effect of the treatment on density and modulus of elasticity. Initially, the wood was hydrated in water for 72 h and at a temperature of 20 °C. Subsequently, the specimens were softened for 4 h in hot water at a temperature of 93.5 °C. The specimens were then pressed with a device made especially for the investigation. The research strategy was to determine density and perform static flexion tests before and after treatment. The compression and densification coefficients were evaluated after treatment. Thirty-two standardized specimens were prepared and static flexural tests were performed before and after densification. For the before and after densified results tests of mean differences for independent samples were performed. The regressions between the values of the modulus of elasticity as a dependent variable were calculated as a function of the independent variable density. The compression coefficient was 56.3% and the densification coefficient was 50.3%. After treatment, the density of G. americanus increased 102% and its modulus of elasticity increased by 113%. The densified, elastic and quality indices confirmed that the densified hygrothermo- mechanical treatment produced good results for low-density wood.

Keywords

• densidad de la madera
• índice de calidad
• índice de densificado
• índice elástico
• módulo de elasticidad