Pinewood preserved with Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Jacq) Griseb. heartwood aqueous extract

Abstract

Enterolobium cyclocarpum heartwood is prized for furniture making because of its natural durability. In this process, up to 50% of the heartwood is discarded in the sawmill. Which contains extractives that can be used to emulate the natural durability and give protection to soft or rapidly deteriorating wood. Pinewood in service and several items made up mainly of cellulose are subject to deterioration caused by xylophage boring insects and other biotic agents. The purpose of this research was to demonstrate that the E. cyclocarpum heartwood aqueous extract protects dry pinewood against the damage caused by the termite Incisitermes marginipennis (Latreille) (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) a borer insect. The removal of pigments from the aqueous extract, which initially stained the wood dark brown, made it possible to preserve the natural color of the wood, an important characteristic for the commercialization of wooden products. In addition to the protective properties, the phenolic compounds in the extract contributed to reducing degradation caused by light and other factors, delaying the aging of the wood. The proposal to use E. cyclocarpum residues to prepare a cheap and easy-to-prepare aqueous extract offers a sustainable and economical solution for wood preservation. These compounds can be applied in various biological areas, due to their antitumor, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Offering an ecologically correct and economically viable alternative to traditional preservatives, aligning with sustainability and environmental preservation trends. In conclusion, for indoor use, E. cyclocarpum heartwood colourless aqueous extract is an alternative to protect pinewood of drywood termite Incisitermes marginipennis due to manool presence.

Keywords: Drywood; Manool; Termite