Wood-cement boards of Eucalyptus saligna with different chemical additives and methods of formation.

Abstract

The aim of this work was evaluate the potential use of different chemical additives and methods of formation for wood-cement composites with Eucalyptus saligna clones. Portland cement type II-Z was used as mineral bonding and Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) as accelerator of the cement hydration. The wood-cement panels were produced by the cold press method with dimensions of 50.5 x 38.5 x1.5 cm, and by vibro-compaction densification with 35 x 7 x 1.5 cm. Both methods used a nominal density of 1.0 g/cm³ and wood: cement ratio of 1:2.75. Main results: (I) Hydration tests showed that E. saligna wood is compatible with Portland cement type II; (II) Use of Calcium and magnesium chlorides at 3% in relation of the cement dry weight improve physical and mechanical properties of wood-cement composites produced by studied methods; (III) Composites produced by vibro-compaction densification presented lower density, higher dimensional stability and higher internal bond than composites produced by the traditional cold press method.

Keywords: Cement-wood composites; vibro-compaction; chemical accelerators.