Caracterización de propiedades químicas, físicas y mecánicas de la madera de Eucalyptus nitens procedente de plantaciones pertenecientes a la Empresa Aglomerados Cotopaxi S.A., cantón Latacunga, provincia de Cotopaxi.

Abstract

The present investigation proposes to characterize the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of Eucalyptus nitens wood coming from plantations belonging to the Aglomerados Cotopaxi S.A. Company, six sub-stand areas located in the Latacunga canton, Cotopaxi province, of different ages and height ranges are included in the study. The tests and experiments were carried out under technical procedures, with the use of various standards, both in the Research and Development Laboratory (COTOPAXI LAB) and in the Quality Control Laboratory located in the company. Six trees were evaluated, one for each study area. It could be verified by the means of descriptive statistics that one or more of the properties differ from one planting to another. Within the chemical properties the pH of both the wood in its green and anhydrous states, as well as the bark, was determined, resulting in values within the acid scale. Regarding the physical properties of the wood, the moisture content was determined, yielding values that reach up to 96,38%; with density data ranging from 535 kg/m3 to 658 kg/m3 and specific weight that rank the wood of this species as high qualified. The mechanical property of static bending was also determined which considers this wood rigid and appropriate for being used in industry. The information generated aims to contribute to the technological knowledge of this commercial forest species fostering its correct and effective use as a raw material. Keywords: WOOD - PHYSICAL PROPERTIES - MECHANICAL PROPERTIES - CHEMICAL PROPERTIES.