Estimativa da umidade de equilíbrio da madeira de Hymenolobium heterocarpum Ducke para o sul de Tocantin

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the equilibrium moisture content of Hymenolobium heterocarpum and to compare it with that estimated by the Enderby-King equation, in order to determine if this equation accurately estimates the equilibrium moisture of this species for the southern region of the state of Tocantins. Twenty-four samples were used to determine the equilibrium moisture content of the wood. Twelve were dried in the open air and twelve were dried in an oven, so the samples were exposed during one year to an internal and external environment with a means of 10.59%. Regarding the estimation of the equilibrium moisture of the wood, the values of temperature and relative humidity were used by means of climatic data of the southern region of Tocantins and of the Municipality of Gurupi - TO, obtaining 13.64%. The results allowed to conclude that Hymenolobium heterocarpum wood tends to reach similar values of equilibrium moisture as much as it dries artificially or outdoors and exposed to different conditions. The means of equilibrium moisture presented by the equation was higher than the real equilibrium moisture content of the wood. Therefore, it is concluded that the studied equation overestimates the equilibrium moisture content of Hymenolobium heterocarpum wood stored in the southern state of Tocantins, as well as the drying of the samples in the open air and in the greenhouse, as well as the exposure of the samples in internal and external environment, not providing consistent references for the use of such equation for the region and species presented.