Natural durability of five tropical wood species in field decay tests

Abstract

Measuring the natural resistance of wood is fundamental for proper use. The natural durability of five tropical wood species was investigated by field decay testing during exposure for 360 days. Wood logs (length of 0,5 m; diameter of 8 cm -12 cm) were used in this study. The mass loss and decay index were calculated and visual analysis during the exposure time was performed for all samples. The samples presented evidence of two different groups concerning natural durability. The species in the first group (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, Mimosa ophthalmocentra, and Mimosa tenuiflora) showed the highest resistance to biodeterioration, better or similar performance compared to treated Eucalypts wood (as control). The other group (Aspidosperma pyrifolium and Cordia oncocalyx) had lower natural resistance in outdoor service, being more susceptible to decay. In general, the wood of the first group is indicated for outdoor uses that require medium or prolonged exposure, such as timber stakes and fence posts.

Biological Control of Termites: A Bibliometric and State-of-the-Art Review

“…This indicates that termites require a lot of attention in the forestry and industrialized timber sectors. Studies indicate the damage that termites can cause to solid wood structures as well as their by-products (BATISTA et al, 2022;MEDEIROS NETO et al, 2022). In addition, increased seedling mortality and reduced productivity in Eucalyptus spp.…”