Technological properties of cedar gaucho wood

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize of cedar wood (Cedrela fissilis Vellozo) to the yours physical and mechanical properties and estimate the age of segregation of juvenile and mature woods by means of radial variation of a apparent specific gravity at 12% (ρ12%). Thus, three trees (~100 years old) were randomly selected in Canguçu, Rio Grande do Sul. Samples oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of the disc were fabricated from the pitch centimeter by centimeter, with dimensions of 1,0 x 1,0 x 20,0 (greater dimension in the longitudinal direction), the samples were kept in a climatic chamber to obtain the equilibrium moisture content (~12%). Were evaluated ρ12%, the speed of propagation of ultrasound waves (Vsom), the dynamic modulus of elasticity the ultrassond method (Ed) and the mechanical properties of the static bending (Em and fm). It was estimated that the early formation of the adult wood occurred between 34 and 46 years of the life of the plant and from that split logs it was found that all the properties of adult denoted wood were higher than those of juvenile wood, except fm, which were found to have statistically equal in this comparison.