INFLUENCE OF AGE ON PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF STIPE POOP-IN-BAY

Abstract

The objective of this work was to determine the values ​​of density and total contraction of the stem of the coconut tree in order to assess the influence of age on their physical properties. This study was conducted in three stands of Cocos nucifera, mean age 35 years in the municipality of Estancia / SE. The selected trees were felled and cut into logs of 1.25 meters and was subsequently transported to the sawmill where they were processed with the use of a circular saw. The samples were prepared at the Laboratory Furniture and Production Machining Department of Forest Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe. These specimens were measured with the aid of a caliper accuracy of 0.01 mm planes tangential, radial and axial with the sample saturated. Subsequently the samples were taken to an incubator with a temperature of 103 ± 2 ° C until constant weight, then were placed in a desiccator to cool. Finally, there were again measured in the anatomical planes for the determination of their linear shrinkage, radial, tangential and axial and volumetric shrinkage. The results showed that the contractions linear radial, tangential and volume were lower at 25 and 45 years old, that presented the highest density at 35 years old coconut and stipe showed technological characteristics similar to some woods, indicating that your use may be feasible.