Analysis of moisture content variation on strength and stiffness properties of cedrella odorata wood species

In order to analyze the influence of moisture content variation on Cedrella odorata wood specie on strength and stiffness properties, considering 12% moisture content up to fiber saturation point (FSP). Most of strength and stiffness properties analyzed were significantly influenced by moisture content according statistical analysis. ANOVA, Anderson Darling and Multiple comparison tests were used at 5% significance level. Considering that most of properties were affected by moisture content, the equations to estimate wood properties according moisture decrease are quite precise, but most of estimations were higher than experimental values at 12% moisture content, indicating the need of a standard review for such estimators, which may lead to an unsafe timber structure design.

Addition of sugarcane bagasse for the production of particleboards bonded with urea-formaldehyde and polyurethane resins

The present study deals with a production of pine particleboards using the sugarcane bagasse content and using castor-oil based bicomponent polyurethane resin and urea-formaldehyde resin. The influence of incorporation of sugarcane bagasse on the physical and mechanical properties of the composites was evaluated. The particleboards were produced according Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 14810, but performance requirements have been analyzed using Brazilian and international standards, as well. Treatment 2, using PU resin, were considered the best treatment using pine residue and sugarcane bagasse, presenting physical properties values 60% lower and mechanical properties 65% higher on average when compared with panel without sugarcane bagasse, indicating the good performance of sugarcane incorporation and the possibility of its use on commercial purpose for thermal and acoustic insulation. The addition of sugarcane bagasse improved physical and mechanical properties of particleboards when compared to panels manufactured from pine wood particles only. Statistical analysis indicated that moisture content and bagasse content were significant, enhancing properties when compared with reference treatments.