https://revistaschilenas.uchile.cl/handle/2250/23005 [0-9]{4} 2026-05-08T14:12:59Z https://revistaschilenas.uchile.cl/handle/2250/224392 Antique wood preparation by inorganic salts treatment and its performance onservation of historic timber structures is of great importance for cultural inheritance and community identity promotion. However, most of the current methods available for ancient architecture protection significantly affect their original appearance and aesthetic value and finding wood elements that are similar to the ones in existing historic timber structures is not easy. Here we report a simple and effective method to archaize wood, Castanopsis sclerophylla, by ferric chloride (FeCl3) treatment without significantly affecting its mechanical properties and durability. The lightness and the color indexes of treated wood are similar to the ancient wood sample. The mechanical properties of FeCl3 treated wood are not statistically different from the control. Our durability testing results indicated that FeCl3 treated wood has good decay resistance against Irpex lacteus and Trametes versicolor with a mass loss of less than 10 %. This study provides a convenient method for the restoration and protection of ancient buildings. https://revistaschilenas.uchile.cl/handle/2250/224390 The effect of sanding on the wettability and surface quality of imbuia, red oak and pine wood veneers The finishing quality of wood products depends on the material's surface and its intrinsic properties. Dynamic wettability is a simple and efficient way to understand the behavior of materials related to solid-liquid interactions according to theoretical and practical perspectives. Thus, we sought to investigate the wettability of imbuia (Ocotea spp.), red oak (Quercus spp.), and pine (Pinus elliottii) woods and its effects before and after sanding. Through the sessile drop technique, we evaluated contact angle and work of adhesion. Sanding changed the samples’ surface quality due to the decrease in contact angle and the increase in the work of adhesion. In addition, the droplet spreading and adsorption observed on the surface of the woods are an indicator of wettability. Pine and red oak had their dynamic contact angle reduced by up to 43 %. However, imbuia was less susceptible to the effects of sanding, since it was found to be a more hydrophobic species; thus, this wood has a more stable surface in terms of dynamic wettability. This may be a result of the effect of low molecular weight compounds on the surface of imbuia wood. The preparation of the wood surface depends on a synergy between the finishing processes and the chemical composition of the surface. Therefore, the results found can indicate which coatings are more suited to these woods. https://revistaschilenas.uchile.cl/handle/2250/224386 Comparing the structure of spruce wood biodegraded by Trametes versicolor and Gloeophyllum trabeum and further utilization of this material Development of new materials puts a great emphasis on saving production costs, energy, decreasing the amount and number of chemicals used during the manufacturing process. Bio-based materials can be ecologically produced and recycled after their lifespan, which saves the environment. The recent interest in bio-based materials led to the objective of this work. In this article, the structure of spruce wood (Picea abies) biodegraded by the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor and brown-rot fungus Gloeophyllum trabeum was studied. Structure of the wood was observed macroscopically and microscopically. Classic and unusual stain combinations were used in this work. Ethanol was intentionally omitted in the process of making permanent mounts. It was done to preserve the coherence of the decayed microsections and to keep small fragments from being rinsed away. Results of the observations suggest that spruce wood decayed by these fungi could be used as an insulation material. Wood decaying fungi decrease the density of wood and increase its porosity. A low density and high porosity are important properties for insulation materials. According to the results, spruce wood decayed by Trametes versicolor would be more suitable to be used as an insulating material. https://revistaschilenas.uchile.cl/handle/2250/224388 Physical and anatomical properties of Hevea brasiliensis clones Our goal was to determine physical properties and anatomical features in 33-year-old Hevea brasiliensis clones. We cut wood samples from clones LCB510, RRIM600, IAN873, IAN717 and GT1 planted in Selvíria, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. We used standard techniques in wood studies. We found that clones differ in basic density, volumetric shrinkage and anatomical features, with the exception of ray width. Basic density, volumetric shrinkage, fiber length, fiber wall thickness, vessel element length and vessel diameter tended to increase from pith to bark, while vessel frequency propended to decrease. We conclude that wood of the studied clones has potential for industrial use.