The objective of this work was to evaluate hygroscopicity modification of Eucalyptus dunnii, E. saligna and Corymbia maculata wood due to termites attack. Using samples measuring 20 x 20 x 150 mm³ (tangential x radial x longitudinal) the equilibrium moisture content (MCE), linear contractions of the tangential and radial planes (βT e βR), contraction anisotropy (CAβ), water absorption (AA) and water absorption rate (TAA) of healthy and deteriorated wood by Nasutitermes termites were evaluated. It was verified that the termite attack caused increase in TUE and reduction in βT. However, βR and CAβ presented different behaviors, varying among the different species. AA and TAA presented higher water absorption intensity in the first hours of immersion, being... |