Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Polycrystalline sample of the compound CuGa0.8Mn0.2Se2 was grown by direct melting of the stoichiometric amounts of the constituent elements and subsequent controlled cooling, in vacuum quartz capsules and graphed by pyrolysis with acetone. Analysis of X-ray powder diffraction patterns at room temperature showed the tetragonal phase reported and the existence of secondary phases. The least squares method and a numerical calculation program were used to index the diffraction pattern and to calculate the network parameters of the studied composite. Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) carried out on vacuum sealed samples allowed to establish phase transition temperatures. Transmission and reflection measurements were performed at room temperature with a fiber optic spectrophotometer. The energy gap was calculated from the absorption and verified measurements using a method that adjusts the measures of Reflectivity. The gaps are: (1.57 and 2.47) and V respectively.

This investigation aimed to characterize certain important anatomical, chemical and physical properties of Tetraclinis articulate (Thuja) burl wood from Morocco.  Anatomical properties and constituent structure were analysed using image analysis system, environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) and powder x-ray diffraction techniques. A few important physical properties of Thuja burl wood such as density, specific gravity, equilibrium moisture content (EMC), total swelling and water absorption characteristics were evaluated. Real-time water absorption and swelling profiles were recorded electronically using a digital force sensor and linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs) respectively. Microscopic structure observed on fractured surfaces showed very compact and thread-like fibers. Average crystallinity index and diameter of cellulose crystallite was found to be 0.35±0.03 and 36.00±5.58 Å respectively. The average values of air-dry density and the EMC of Thuja burl wood were 932.67±50.57 kg/m3 and 10.19±1.43% respectively. Swelling profile as a function of the water immersion duration followed a curvilinear variation with maximum swelling coefficient of 2.9±0.43% after 24 hour from oven-dry condition. The suitability of this wood for decorative and handicraft items is attributed mainly to its dense microstructure, higher dimensional stability, lower water absorption, random grain texture, dark brownish  with intense and pleasant smell.

En este artículo se presentan y discuten los resultados de una investigación orientada al análisis de modelos mecánicos para clasificar por resistencia tablas de pino resinoso cultivado en el nordeste de Argentina. El programa experimental se llevó a cabo según los lineamientos de las normas europeas EN sobre una muestra de 233 tablas de tamaño estructural ensayadas a flexión y sobre otra conteniendo 100 tablas ensayadas en tracción paralela a las fibras. Se diseñaron dos modelos, uno empleando el módulo de elasticidad global como parámetro simple y otro basado en un parámetro combinado que incluyó al módulo de elasticidad junto a la densidad y la nudosidad. Los resultados mostraron una mayor eficiencia en los modelos desarrollados que en el método visual adoptado por la norma IRAM. Esa mayor eficiencia se puso de manifiesto en i) el alcance de los valores característicos adoptados para las propiedades principales en la normativa vigente; ii) un aumento del rendimiento en los grados estructurales y, iii) una disminución de la dispersión en los valores del módulo de elasticidad dentro de cada clase resistente, lo cual permite estar en línea con la variabilidad adoptada por las reglas de diseño estructural del país.The present paper reports the results of an investigation regarding the analysis of models for machine strength grading boards of resinous pine cultivated in the northeast of Argentina. An empirical research project with one sample containing 233 boards in structural sizes subjected to static bending and one sample enclosing 100 boards subjected to tension was carried out according to the European standards. One model based on a single parameter (modulus of elasticity) and another one based on a combined parameter (modulus of elasticity + density + knot ratio) were designed. Results showed that the efficiency of both models was higher than that of the visual method adopted by the standard IRAM. The high efficiency of both models was made evident by: i) the achievement of the characteristic values adopted by standards for the main properties; ii) an increase of the yield in the structural grades and, iii) a decrease of the spread results for modulus of elasticity within each strength class, which makes it possible to satisfy the variability requirements adopted by the national design rules.

The objective of this study was to investigate the surface properties of a UV-system applied on laminated parquet made with untreated and heat treated wood (ThermoWood). In this study, wood specimens prepared from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) wood were heat treated according to ThermoWood method at 190oC for 2 hours and at 212oC for 1 and 2 hours adhesion strength, pendulum hardness, surface roughness, colour and glossiness were determined. The UV-system was applied in two different types according to manufacturer recommendations. Results show that lightness and glossiness decreases and red colour tone increases with heat treatment. Pendulum hardness increased initially, decreasing afterwards with the intensity of the heat treatment. Tests showed that adhesion generally decreased with heat treatment. No significant differences were found for the surface roughness although a slight decrease was observed.

The main aim is to test the influence of anatomical structure (grain direction and elements size), wood hardness and machining conditions on wood surface roughness. 180 samples defect-free were obtained from beech, oak and pine and processed with different machining methods (planning, sanding with 60 grit or sanding with 180 grit). Roughness, hardness, and anatomical structure were analysed using international methodologies. An analysis of variance of the data from all the samples with the four factors in the experimental design were performed. Results showed that machining processes and species are the factors that significantly affect surface roughness, as opposed to grain direction (plane of section and stylus-grain angle), which was only shown to be significant in some subgroups. Roughness parameters of samples sanded with 180 grit were lower in contrast to samples planned or sanded with 60 grit. Hardness was found to be the property of the wood that most clearly affects its final roughness, and makes it difficult to achieve better roughness results as the hardness increases.

The bark of stone pine (Pinus pinea) from 50 year old trees grown in Portugal was submitted to grinding and fractioning into different particles sizes. The trees had a thick bark with an average 3,7 cm constituted mainly by the periderm and rhytidome (3,2 cm).The bark fractured easily into particles: yield of fines was low, and 74,0% of the particles were over 2 mm. The chemical composition, as a mass weighed average of all granulometric fractions showed a content of 1,1% ash 20,6% extractives (91% of which polar extractives) 2,2% suberin, 43,0% lignin and 37,6% holocellulose. The percentage of material dissolved by extraction with 1% NaOH was 42,3%. The chemical characterization of the different granulometric fractions showed that extractives were present preferentially in the finest fractions (<80 mesh and 60-80 mesh), representing 34-35%, particularly with enrichment in ethanol soluble extractives, that also showed lower content of lignin. The coarser fractions contained higher proportions of lignin and holocellulose. P. pinea bark grinding and fractionation by particle size may be used to selectively enrich the finest fractions in soluble materials, while the coarser fractions tend to have higher holocellulose content and will be therefore more suitable for carbohydrate related uses.

In this work, post-consumer polypropylene and wood flour from Pinus elliottii were used to produce wood plastic composites. The effect of polypropylene grafted with itaconic acid used as a coupling agent on mechanical properties, thermal stability and morphology of the composites was investigated and compared with the composite developed with polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride, commonly used as coupling agent in wood plastic composites. Composites with 30 wt% of wood flour and 2 wt% of coupling agent were produced in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder and after were injection molded. The mechanical properties showed that flexural strength improved on 29% and 35% with addition of polypropylene grafted with itaconic acid and polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride respectively, when compared with the wood plastic composites without coupling agent. On the other hand, the incorporation of polypropylene grafted with itaconic acid does not change the impact strength values significantly. Additionally, the temperature corresponding to 3 wt% of weight loss determined by thermogravimetry for composites with polypropylene grafted with itaconicacid increased by 14°C when compared with wood plastic composites without coupling agent, while addition of polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride increased approximately 6°C the composite thermal stability. A morphological study revealed the positive effect of the polypropylene grafted with itaconic acid on the interfacial bonding of recycled polypropylene and wood flour.

Juvenile Neolamarckia cadamba or kelempayan tree has been harvested from forest plantation and converted into sawn timber. Some basic properties of timber such as physical and mechanical were determined from different parts of the tree namely lower, center and upper. The physical properties were evaluated. The mechanical properties were conducted using small test clear specimens. The results indicated that the physical and mechanical properties of the lower portion of the trunk were significantly superior compared to the upper portion of the trunk. The investigation revealed that the wood be able to use as a substitute material of the furniture components after some modification undertaken on its properties.

This is a study on the effect of plasma treatment with different gases and plasma intensity on the bending strength and modulus of elasticity of plywood manufactured from beech and poplar. Oxygen (O2) and ammonia (NH3) plasma were applied on the veneer sheets; two plasma intensities were applied on the veneers with 150 and 300 W in the plasma chamber during one minute. Phenol formaldehyde resin was applied on one surfaces of each veneer with approx. 160 g/m2. Bending strength and modulus of elasticity were determined according to EN 310.The effects of plasma surface treatment on chemical structure of the panels were determined with FTIR-ATR analysis. Bending strength of all tested panels slightly and partly increased without statistical significance when applying oxygen plasma. The effect of ammonia plasma treatment on bending strength and was determined by the wood species and the plasma intensity, and it was not uniform. Modulus of elasticity of the panels with oxygen plasma treatment showed in most cases improvement, whereas ammonia plasma pretreated veneers caused lower values compared to the control panels.

As a result of contemporary ecological and sustainable movements, a number of constructions from wood, as the only renewable building material, is still increasing. In accordance with these trends, wood elements are often left untreated. The presented study is aimed to characterize and compare a surface degradation of untreated wood caused by weathering. Weathering characteristics of softwoods and hardwoods (spruce, pine, Douglas fir, larch, oak, black locust, maple, poplar and alder) during twelve months of exposure in the climatic conditions of Central Europe were determined. All the wood species were characterized by colour and gloss changes and increasing roughness. The lowest discoloration was observed for oak and the highest one for spruce wood, respectively. The lowest changes of roughness were observed for alder, the highest for spruce wood. The depth of colour changes was relatively similar among the softwoods. Regarding hardwoods, it varied more. The values of total colour changes had a significant correlation with the depth values of these colour changes. Maple, alder and poplar samples were characterized by the presence of mould and blue-stain fungi. Douglas fir wood was found to be the most liable for the formation of cracks.