Açaizeiro Laminado Colado: agregando valor aos resíduos dos açaizais

Abstract

Euterpe oleracea is a palm of great importance in the northern region of Brazil. The management practiced in this palm tree aims at thinning approximately 80% of the stumps of its clump, ensuring the increase of its fruit production, however, providing a large amount of residues. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the characteristics related to the natural durability of the peripheral zone of the acai tree, density and mechanical properties of glued laminated acai panels (LAC), looking for alternatives of use to these thinned stems. The natural durability was analyzed in two time periods: 6 months and 1 year, together with other species (Pinus, Bamboo and Maçaranduba), the mechanical properties in static bending and Janka hardness, besides the physical property of density for both. LAC as for individual slats. The acai tree showed low natural durability compared to Macaranduba and Bamboo, but showing superior biological resistance to Pinus. In LAC, the panels presented high mechanical properties in static bending and density, showing no statistical difference only in resistance in relation to individual slats. It was noted that the acai tree has potential for glued laminated beams, however, further studies are recommended to indicate structural uses more efficiently. Finally, it is indicated the laminated acai berry glued in the production of non-structural glued products, such as household utensils, which can be manufactured by the rural families of the Amazon, providing an improvement in the income of this population.