Descripción de propiedades físicas y químicas de la madera de una especie forestal comercial procedente del cantón Gonzalo Pizarro, provincia de Sucumbíos

Abstract

The research described the physical and chemical properties of the wood of a commercial forest species from Gonzalo Pizarro city (province of Sucumbíos). It aimed to know the species' characteristics for its future industrialization. The dendrological identification of the species was carried out from botanical samples collected in the study field and subsequently analyzed in the institution's herbarium (CHEP). According to the COPANT standards (1972), the cuts were made to identify the anatomical characteristics. Once the wooden cubes were obtained, they were softened in the autoclave in five 20-minute cycles. Subsequently, histological sections were made in the three sections (transverse, tangent, and radial) at a measurement of 0.3 microns. As for staining, Safranina and Astra Blue dyes and a combination of both were used. Then, plates with the samples correctly labeled were mounted for observation under the microscope. The organoleptic characteristics were determined with the help of human senses. Hydrogen potential (pH) was calculated using 10 grams of sawdust homogenized in 100 ml of distilled water and then read with a pH meter. Density was calculated from the weight of 2 cm3 wood cubes in their green and dry state after 40 days. It is concluded that the species to be identified was Croton tessmannii Mansf. It mainly presented solitary pores with large and long tylis and radial pores multiples of two, three, four, and five. The pH of the wood was slightly alkaline and of medium density. Finally, it is suggested that studies of the genus Croton be continued due to its lack of information in the country.