X-ray densitometry and colorimetry for the characterization of ten native Brazilian timber species

The research responds to the limited availability of technical data on native Brazilian woods, which constrains their industrial application and sustainable management. The commercial use of timber from native Brazilian species is hindered by a scarcity of data on fundamental properties related to wood quality, limiting its use in the wood industry. This study sought to characterize the timber of ten native Brazilian species using X-ray densitometry and colorimetric analysis. Timber samples of various ages and 2 mm thickness were evaluated. The X-ray images enabled the identification of anatomical characteristics such as wood porosity and parenchyma. Densitometric profiles showed woods with high densities (ranging between 550 kg/m³ and 1000 kg/m³). Variations were identified in each sample due to transitions between earlywood and latewood, with latewood presenting higher density, and parenchyma and pore areas showing lower density values. Standard deviation values ranging from 84,6 (Tabebuia) to 162,8 (Bowdichia) indicated differing homogeneity in wood density across the samples. Colorimetric characterization using the CIELAB system allowed the identification of desirable visual characteristics, with species ranging from lighter (L*46,7) to darker (L*25,7) tones and significantly different colors from yellow to purple. Thus, the techniques used in this study proved effective in characterizing native timber through novel analytical methods, contributing to their better utilization.