Analysis of the Parameters Involved in the Thermorectification Process of Wood Species Commonly Used in Brazil

• Grant number: 24/17633-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering
• Principal Investigator: André Luis Christoforo
• Grantee: Anna Flora Abreu de Castro
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Wood is a renewable natural resource and, in Brazil, its use in construction has grown due to the search for more sustainable alternatives when compared to conventional materials, such as concrete and steel. Wood also has advantages in terms of mechanical properties and speed of construction. However, it faces challenges related to biological durability and dimensional stability. To mitigate these problems, thermal treatment, a process of thermal modification of wood, has been widely studied and applied. This method involves controlled heating of wood, resulting in changes to its chemical and microscopic structure. Although this method improves durability and stability, it can reduce the mechanical strength and stiffness of the wood, depending on the species and treatment conditions. This limitation restricts the use of heat-treated wood in structural applications. Therefore, this research proposes a detailed analysis of the parameters involved in the thermal treatment of wood species commonly used in Brazil through bibliographic research of published scientific papers with the aim of exploring how these factors affect the thermal treatment process and the reduction in the static bending strength of wood. It is expected that the results of this research can provide clear information about the influence of the different factors involved in order to encourage the use of such a technique, reducing dependence on preservative chemical treatments and contributing to the construction of more sustainable buildings. In short, this scientific initiation research not only aims to improve technical knowledge about wood thermal treatment in Brazil, but also contribute to the construction of sustainable cities and communities and action against climate change.