Resistência da madeira de Pinus taeda tratada termicamente ao ataque de fungo de podridão branca (Trametes versicolor)

Abstract

Wood heat treatment can minimize damage by fungi, increasing the durability and dimensional stability of wood. These treatments consist in heating the wood to high temperatures, promoting chemical changes of the primary components, such as partial degradation of lignin, cellulose and mainly the hemicellulose, which is more heat sensitive. Pinus sp., a exotic species of rapid growth, is cultivated in forests plantation in order to obtain cellulose, reconstituted panels, blades for the production of plywood and sawn. The objective of this study was to evaluate the resistance of heat treated Pinus taeda wood to white rot fungus Trametes versicolor. Wood veneer with 30 x 15 x 2.5 cm were treated at temperatures of 140, 160 and 180ºC. Specimens from these treated materials were submitted to the white rot fungus T. versisolor. The decay accelerated tests was conducted in accordance with ASTM D 2017. Mass loss was measured. The mass loss caused by the fungus was lower in heat treated wood. On the other hand, increasing the temperature did not confer higher resistance to the material. The Pinus taeda wood was classified as highly resistant, regardless of heat treatment.