WOOD DENSITYANALYSIS OFPinus elliottii Engelm. BYGAMMARADIATION ACCORDINGTO STRUCTURALDIRECTIONS (LONGITUDINAL AND RADIAL)AND THE GROWTHAGE

ABSTRACT

The adequated wood utilization depends on chemistry, physical and anatomical properties. Several biotic and abiotic factors can interfere, in higher or lower degree, in its properties and in its quality. This research had the objective to study the density variation, aiming to obtain knowledge towards its better application. The used wood samples were obtained from twelve Pinus elliottii trees of different growth ages. The results showed density variation in the longitudinal and radial direction and in function of the growth age. The density increased from pith to bark and with the growth age and decreased from bottom to upwards. Based on this variation, it was possible to distinguish regions where the density values are practically similar and regions where they differ, allowing thus, to classify the woods in terms of density and proposing its better application.

Key words:
Pinus elliottii; wood density; gamma radiation