Title
Comparative study of weathering behavior of four fast-growing eucalyptus species
Authors
RAFAEL DE AVILA DELUCIS RENE HERRERA DIAZ SANDRO CAMPOS AMICO JALEL LABIDI and DARCI ALBERTO GATTO

Received September 9, 2016
Published Volume 51 Issue 9-10 September-December
Keywords wood color, wood decay, Janka hardness, field test

Abstract
For the correct use of eucalyptus woods in the manufacturing of solid products, it is necessary to define reliable quality parameters. This study aimed at characterizing the degradation of juvenile and mature woods of four eucalyptus species submitted to natural weathering. Eucalyptus botryoides, Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus paniculata and Eucalyptus teretircornis wood samples from mature forests located in Southern Brazil were studied. The following characterization techniques were used: colorimetric analysis (CIELAB method and UV-VIS spectroscopy), contact angle measurements and Janka hardness tests. Deterioration of the samples was evidenced by color change (graying), indicated by a decrease in the L* and C* levels. Based on hardness results, the weathering resistance of the wood species decreased in the following order: Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus teretircornis, Eucalyptus paniculata and Eucalyptus botryoides. Furthermore, the properties of mature wood varied less than those of juvenile wood.