Effect of Steaming on the Colorimetric Properties of Eucalyptus saligna Wood

• Main Authors: Reinaldo Calçada Guina Luís, Silvana Nisgoski, Ricardo Jorge Klitzke
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro 2018-03-01
• Series: Floresta e Ambiente
• Subjects: wood colour; heat treatment; alternative species
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2179-80872018000100117&lng=en&tlng=en

ABSTRACT This study aimed to homogenize the color of Eucalyptus saligna wood by means of steaming and compare the resulting color with that of Cariniana legalis wood, a species of high commercial value. To this end, two steaming curves were tested: 100% relative humidity for 12 (T1) and 24 (T2) hours at 90 °C followed by drying in a pilot-scale conventional kiln. The colorimetric parameters L*, a*, b*, C*, and h were determined according to the CIE L*a*b* color measurement system after drying. Results showed that steaming can be used for color homogenization between heartwood and sapwood. The treatment conducted for 24 hours (T2) presented the best results.