Effect of acetylation on technological characteristics of Jacaranda copaia wood: Part 1 - Physical and mechanical properties

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of acetylation on the technological characteristics of Jacaranda copaia (Aubl.) D. Don. wood. Physical (apparent and basic densities, water absorption, and thickness swelling) and mechanical (Rockwell hardness) properties were evaluated. Wood acetylation was carried out by immersion of samples in acetic anhydride; five treatments were evaluated: control (no acetylation), acetylation for 2 hours, acetylation for 4 hours, acetylation for 6 hours, and acetylation for 8 hours. All reactions were carried out at a constant temperature of 90 degrees C. The results show that the 8-hour acetylation treatment presented the highest weight gain (21.62%). This treatment also presented the lowest water absorption (119.55%) and the highest Rockwell hardness (24.78 HRL). In general, the acetylation treatment resulted in interesting improvements in wood's physical and mechanical properties.