The objective of this study was to determine the modification of original color of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex. Maiden wood after heat-treatment. Wood samples were heat-treated under different temperatures (180, 200, 215 and 230ºC) and time conditions (15 minutes, 2 and 4 hours). Color analysis were performed on the CIE L*a*b* system by using a Color Eye XTH-X-Rite 200d spectrophotometer. All heat treatments promoted an alteration of the original color of wood. Heat-treated woods presented lower L* (lightness) values than untreated wood (control), characterizing the wood darkness, mainly for more severe conditions of temperature and time. Chromatic coordinates (a* and b*) showed different behaviors depending on the temperature-time combination. The modification of the original color of the wood allowed the creation of new color patterns, which can add greater value to the studied wood.
Colorimetry; Eucalyptus grandis; CIE L*a*b* system; Heat treatment
