CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THREE HARDWOODS

This study aimed to characterize the chemical properties of London plane (Platanus x acerifolia), pecan (Carya illinoinensis) and açoita-cavalo (Luehea divaricata) To achieve this, trees from a forest population in Rio Grande do Sul state were harvested. Heartwood samples were made and subsequently milled (40 mesh). The ash content, ethanol–toluene extractives, holocellulose, α-cellulose, hemicelluloses and Klason lignin content were determined as described by TAPPI standards. The main findings showed that the highest differences were observed for ash content and extractives content. Moreover, London plane presented a high quantity of hemicelluloses, whereas the Klason lignin was similar for all the species. The chemical properties presented suitable average values in relation to those found in the literature.