Carnauba wax and linseed oil to preserve Amazon wood

Abstract

The Amazon Forest produces several timber species with commercial interest, and it is very important to be able to preserve this wood in the long term. The objective of this study was to evaluate the resistance to physical deterioration of Amazonian wood subjected to treatments based on linseed oil and carnauba wax. Sample units of cedar (Cedrela fissilis Vell), cumaru (Dipteryx odorata (Aubl.)) and ipê (Handroanthus spp.) were used in a completely randomized design with 6 replications. The experiment was carried out over a period of 6 months. The percentages of cracking was assessed, as well as surface and color changes, considering the greyness and brightness. All samples showed a percentage of cracks less than or equal to 3%. Although all woods showed changes in color, carnauba wax was most effective treatment, resulting in less grayness and greater shine. We concluded that the carnauba wax is the recommended method of treating the wood for the three species tested.