Avaliação da qualidade da madeira de Brachystegia spiciformis (Benth) para fabricação de pisos tendo como espécies de controlo Pterocarpus angolensis e Androstachys johnsonii

Abstract

The technological characterization of wood from species that are undervalued in the Mozambican market is essential to expanding their potential applications in various segments of the timber industry. This initiative can replace traditionally used species, increasing the options available on the market and promoting the development of new products with higher added value. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of Brachystegia spiciformis (Benth) wood for flooring. Studies on the use of wood from secondary species such as messassa for flooring are still scarce in Mozambique. To achieve this objective, tests were conducted on the adhesion, gloss, and abrasion resistance of this species' wood, using Androstachys johnsonii, a species commonly used for parquet production, as a control. The wear rate ranged from 14.795 to 18.023 mg/500 cycles. Comparing the three species, Brachystegia spiciformis tended to have a lower wear rate, followed by Pterocarpus angolensis, while Androstachys johnsonii demonstrated the highest wear rate. Based on the results, it can be stated that Brachystegia spiciformis (Benth) (similar to other species analyzed) has the potential to be used for flooring that takes into account all the specific characteristics of the species.