ABSTRACT
The characteristics of cement bonded particleboards can be jeopardized by chemical incompatibility between some lignocellulosic materials and cement, which can inhibit the glue of this cement; however, this effect can be minimized with chemicals treatments of the materials. The different species of Eucalyptus can be promising as raw material in the production of these panels, mainly residues produced in form of barks. The objective of the work was to evaluate chemical compatibility of wood and barks (without and with chemical treatment) of Eucalyptus grandis with cement. The chemical treatment of barks was carried out with sodium hydroxide. Results showed that the Eucalyptus grandis wood presented a moderate aptitude with cement, the treated barks presented high aptitude and the untreated bark presented extremely low aptitude. It was verified positive influence of the chemical treatment in the barks, making possible, in the future, the incorporation of these elements in the manufacturing of cement-bonded particleboard.
Keywords:
compatibility; cement bonded particleboards; Eucalyptus grandis; barks