Variation of physical wood properties and effect of dasometric variables in trees growing in plantation.

Physical properties were studied in commercial plantation of balsa established in Costa Rica. Among other variables studied, physical properties varied mainly for tree age, spacing, stand density, diameter, and height of trees, which we named dasometric conditions. The aim of this study was (i) to determine the variation of specific gravity (SG), air-dry density (AD), green density (GD), and green moisture content (GMC), (ii) to know the site effect and dasometric conditions on these properties, and (iii) to establish the relationship between the four physical properties.

Changes in Physical and Water Sorption Characteristics of Three Solid Woods after One-Sided Surface Charring.

One-sided surface charring of wood is a modification process used to lower moisture absorption and improve the resistance to biological degradation for durable surface exterior claddings. , and wood samples from fast-growth plantation were charred with a hot plate using three temperatures (300, 350, and 400 °C ± 3 °C) for 10 min. Wood density, surface quality (color and presence of splits), and sorption characteristics (wetting rate and water uptake) were evaluated.

In Situ Synthesis of FeO Nanoparticles and Wood Composite Properties of Three Tropical Species.

Magnetic wood is a composite material that achieves harmony between both woody and magnetic functions through the active addition of magnetic characteristics to the wood itself. In addition to showing magnetic characteristics, magnetic wood offers low specific gravity, humidity control and acoustic absorption ability. It has potential for broad applications in the fields of electromagnetic wave absorption, electromagnetic interference shielding, furniture, etc.

Potential for pellet manufacturing with wood waste from construction in Costa Rica.

The construction sector in Costa Rica produces approximately 100 kg per square meter of residues, of which wood waste comprises 30%. Utilization of these wastes is still limited, but options are being sought and biomass is one of them. The aim of this work was to evaluate the characteristics of biomass produced from wood waste from construction, its energy potential, and its appropriateness for pellet manufacturing by determining its energy, physical, and mechanical characteristics.

Physical, mechanical and hydration kinetics of particleboards manufactured with woody biomass (Cupressus lusitanica, Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis), agricultural resources, and Tetra Pak packages.

Lignocellulosic wastes resulting from agricultural activities as well as Tetra Pak residues from urban centres can cause significant levels of pollution. A possible action to minimize this problem is to use them in the production of particleboards. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical, mechanical, and hydration properties of particleboards manufactured with the mixture of woody biomass (Cupressus lusitanica, Gmelina arborea, and Tectona grandis) and either agricultural wastes [pineapple leaves (Ananas comosus) and palm residues (Elaeis guineensis)] or Tetra Pak residues (TP).

Identification of endangered or threatened Costa Rican tree species by wood anatomy and fluorescence activity.

A total of 45 native Costa Rican tree species are threatened or in danger of extinction, but the Convention on International Trade Endangered Species (CITES) includes only eight of these in its Appendices. However, the identification of other species based on their wood anatomy is limited. The present study objective was to describe and to compare wood anatomy and fluorescence activity in some endangered or threatened species of Costa Rica.

Variation in the wood anatomical structure of Gmelina arborea (Verbenaceae) trees at different ecological conditions in Costa Rica.

The tree Gmelina arborea has been widely introduced in Costa Rica for commercial purposes. This new conditions for melina cause variations on anatomy in secondary xylem of the trees growing in plantations. The objective of the present research was to determine the variation in the anatomy of xylem caused by the ecological conduction variation.