Humidade de equilíbrio higroscópico da madeira em diferentes regiões de Moçambique

Abstract

Bearing in mind the lack of data on the moisture balance of wood in Mozambique and its great importance for the rational use of wood, this work seeks to estimate this value for different regions of the country. Estimates were made by applying the equation proposed by Simpson (1971) and adapted by Jankowsky (1985), to normal values ​​of temperature and average monthly relative humidity for the last 30 years provided by the National Institute of Meteorology (INAM). The results show that for the study regions (coastal zones and inland zones), the hygroscopic equilibrium moisture varies from place to place. This variation is also observed within the same place throughout the year. It was also found that, in general, coastal areas have a higher moisture balance in hygroscopicity than inland areas. Based on the analysis of the results, it is proposed to establish three hygroscopic equilibrium moisture values ​​(11%, 13% and 15%) for drying and using wood in the country's cities and municipalities.