Favorable properties of Balsa wood make it an interesting alternative in a number of applications including thermal insulation or as a lightweight core material in sandwich composites. Increasing use in construction necessitates a better understanding of its mechanical and failure properties. In the present work, mode I and mode II fracture toughness for different types of balsa wood and a sandwich structure (balsa as core and fiber glass as skin layer) are studied experimentally by using load-displacement diagrams and visually acquired crack growth data. / Graduation date: 2013

Many large composite structures are manufactured using sandwich laminates to achieve high specific bending strength and stiffness. Examples include wind turbine blades, where self-weight becomes increasingly important as blade size increases. Resin infusion of three-dimensional sandwich laminates can result in complex resin flow paths, and subsequent defect formation, which are difficult to predict. The core material used for sandwich construction and its interaction with liquid resins may also influence the formation of defects, and in the case of balsa this effect can be used to reduce defect severity. In order to evaluate the effect of cored sandwich laminate construction on the formation of defects, this thesis concentrates on the characterisation of commonly used core materials and their interaction with liquid resin under high vacuum conditions. It also considers two numerical flow-modelling packages which are shown to be effective at the prediction of flow front convergence for monolithic laminate, but over-estimate defect severity when modelling air- permeable cored laminates. For balsa core, experiments indicate that the available pore space can act as sink for trapped air, which can aid the reduction of defects where multiple flow fronts converge due to the complexity of flow in sandwich laminates. Empirical data for air absorption and desorption rates in balsa core were obtained using a custom-designed experiment. Using these data a theoretical model was developed that can indicate available pore space, which can inform optimum processing conditions, such as time under vacuum. The diffusion coefficients obtained for air absorption and desorption in balsa are very similar, and lie in the middle of published ranges for hard woods at around 2 x 10 -7 m2/s. The methodology developed for this research project represents actual behaviour of air absorption/desorption during resin infusion, whilst other techniques do not, merely measuring diffusion of air through a sample not allowing for finite pore space. In consequence, infusion strategies can be planned more precisely because core/resin interaction is better understood. Knit line defect formation could be predicted with greater accuracy with suitably modified flow-modelling programs.

by Li, Kowk Cheung = 利用木材製作具有生物形態的碳化矽 / 李國彰. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / by Li, Kwok Cheung = Li yong mu cai zhi zuo ju you sheng wu xing tai de tan hua xi / Li Guozhang. / Abstract --- p.i / 摘要 --- p.iii / Acknowledgements --- p.v / Table of contents --- p.vi / List of figure captions --- p.x / List of table captions --- p.xiv / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Biomorphic products and their potential applications --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Structures and mechanical behaviors of wood --- p.1 / Chapter 1.3 --- Characteristics and applications of SiC --- p.2 / Chapter 1.4 --- Common methods of producing biomorphic SiC from wood --- p.2 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Chemical vapor deposition --- p.3 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Melt infiltration --- p.3 / Chapter 1.4.3 --- Sol-gel process --- p.4 / Chapter 1.5 --- Carbothermal reduction process of silica --- p.5 / Chapter 1.6 --- Objectives of present work --- p.5 / Chapter 1.6.1 --- Comments on the previous works --- p.5 / Chapter 1.6.2 --- Current approaches --- p.6 / References --- p.8 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Experimental procedures / Chapter 2.1 --- Wood biotemplates --- p.10 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Balsa --- p.10 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Flame tree --- p.10 / Chapter 2.2 --- Sol Gel process --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Precursor --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Reaction mechanisms --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- "Effects of pH, temperature, and environment" --- p.12 / Chapter 2.3 --- Preparation of biomorphic SiC / Chapter 2.3.1 --- HC1 pretreatment --- p.13 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Infiltration of silica via sol gel process --- p.13 / Chapter 2.3.2.1 --- Balsa --- p.14 / Chapter 2.3.2.2 --- Flame tree --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Sintering --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Removal of carbon --- p.15 / Chapter 2.4 --- Characterization methods --- p.16 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy --- p.16 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- X-ray diffractometry --- p.16 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Differential thermal analysis --- p.16 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Compressive strength analysis --- p.17 / Chapter 2.5 --- Summary --- p.17 / References --- p.18 / Figures --- p.19 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Results and discussions / Chapter 3.1 --- Balsa --- p.21 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- HC1 pretreatment --- p.21 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Infiltration behaviors --- p.21 / Chapter 3.1.2.1 --- By the standard method --- p.21 / Chapter 3.1.2.2 --- Modified sol-gel process --- p.21 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- SiC products --- p.22 / Chapter 3.1.3.1 --- Volumetric shrinkage and weight loss --- p.22 / Chapter 3.1.3.2 --- Compositions --- p.23 / Chapter 3.1.3.3 --- Morphology and structure --- p.24 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Optimal infiltration conditions --- p.25 / Chapter 3.2 --- Flame tree --- p.25 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- HC1 pretreatment --- p.26 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Infiltration behaviors --- p.26 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- SiC products --- p.26 / Chapter 3.2.3.1 --- Volumetric shrinkage and weight loss --- p.26 / Chapter 3.2.3.2 --- Composition --- p.27 / Chapter 3.2.3.3 --- Morphology and structure --- p.27 / Chapter 3.3 --- Mechanisms for the formation of SiC cell walls --- p.30 / Chapter 3.4 --- Compressive strength --- p.31 / Chapter 3.5 --- Summary --- p.34 / References --- p.35 / Tables --- p.36 / Figures --- p.38 / Appendix --- p.65 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Conclusions and future works / Chapter 4.1 --- Summary --- p.67 / Chapter 4.2 --- Suggestions for future work --- p.68 / References --- p.70

The United States of America's Military, more specifically the Army, has since the late 1990's had a vested interest in the development of super-lightweight, portable, short-span composite bridge and decking components to replace aging heavy metal-alloy machine driven modular systems. The following study looks at the feasibility of using balsa wood as the structural core material in fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapped hollow-core composites in short-span bridge applications. The balsa provides shear resistance and the FRP the flexural resistance, resulting in extremely high strength-to-weight and strength-to-depth ratios. Several scaled short span specimens were constructed and tested using a variety of fibers and resins. In addition, a calibrated finite element model (FEM) was developed using data acquired through testing. Of the 3 FRP-matrices tested (carbon-polyurethane, glass-polyurethane, and carbon-epoxy-resin), the carbon-epoxy-resin had the stiffest cross-section and highest ultimate load achieved, although the fiber did not have the highest elastic modulus and ultimate rupture strength of the constituent materials. The carbon-polyurethane fiber had the largest elastic modulus and ultimate strength, but due to construction difficulties did not perform as well as expected. The glass-polyurethane fiber had the lowest elastic modulus and ultimate load with high strain values and performed accordingly during specimen testing. Given the constraints of self-weight, section geometry, and deflection set forth for lightweight short-span portable bridging solutions, this study demonstrates that the balsa-FRP composite systems are viable solutions; in particular, when carbon fabric is paired with balsa cores.

This diploma thesis describes the comparison of two different kinds of structures of snowboard wooden core. One is a combination of ash and poplar (long known and reliable structure currently used by the company Hackboards Ltd.). The other is tested combination when abele is replaced by lighter balsa wood. For both types of core the same types of fibreglass, base and top sheet are used (triaxial fibreglass, sintered base, protective top sheet). The individual mouldings were cut to the required sample on which the tests were made for the determination of bending strength according to ČSN EN 310 and impact bending according to ČSN EN ISO 179-1. Then according to ČSN EN 322 and ČSN EN 323 the moisture and density of used wooden boards were set. The measured results were evaluated and presented in charts and tables in the experimental part of this work.

O experimento foi conduzido nos Laboratórios de Sementes do Departamento de Silvicultura e Manejo da Universidade Federal do Paraná e do Centro Nacional de Pesquisa de Florestas da Embrapa e teve como objetivo definir um método para o armazenamento de sementes de Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urbano As sementes foram embaladas em sacos de papel tipo kraft e sacos de plástico ( 0,10 mm ) e armazenadas em ambiente de laboratório (22°C e 65% UR), câmara úmida (5°C e 86% UR) e câmara seca (15°C e 40% UR). A percentagem de germinação, grau de umidade e vigor das sementes foram avaliados no início e após períodos de 120, 240 e 400 dias de armazenamento. Após esses períodos, concluiu-se que houve correlação significativa entre a umidade das sementes na sua germinação e vigor. As melhores condições de armazenamento que permitem manter a viabilidade por até 400 dias foram: saco plástico em condições de laboratório ou câmara seca, e saco de papel em câmara seca. A manutenção do vigor até 120 dias foi conseguido em todos os tratamentos testados.

El vertedero es, en la actualidad, el destino final de un alto porcentaje de residuos, tanto en España como en la mayoría de países. La problemática medioambiental que presentan estas instalaciones ha propiciado la elaboración de una legislación, cada vez más restrictiva. La normativa sobre residuos, vertederos, prevención y control integrados de la contaminación, evaluación de impacto ambiental y responsabilidad ambiental ha forzado a que la eliminación de residuos mediante vertedero, se realice de una forma segura tanto desde el punto de vista sanitario como ambiental. Esta legislación afecta a parámetros de ubicación, diseño, gestión, clausura y controles postclausura del vertedero. Sin embargo, tras la revisión exhaustiva de la normativa, se ha observado una carencia legal en cuanto a los parámetros relativos a las balsas de lixiviados de manera que, siendo éstos unos líquidos muy contaminantes con una alta carga orgánica y probabilidad de contener metales pesados, no se especifica, en la mayor parte de la normativa consultada, una referencia directa a estas balsas. Con el objetivo fundamental de minimizar el riesgo ambiental de las balsas de lixiviados y de evitar el impacto ambiental que se pudiera producir por una rotura en los diques de contención, se ha planteado la aplicación de la metodología alternativa de evaluación del riesgo como complemento a la norma UNE 150008 de evaluación del riesgo medioambiental. Esta metodología alternativa está basada en un índice del riesgo ambiental que valore el riesgo que presentan éstas balsas sobre los factores ambientales existentes en el cauce receptor. Para ello se debe conocer, en primer lugar las características geométricas y constructivas de la balsa, en segundo lugar las características contaminantes del lixiviado y en tercer lugar las características del medio receptor y sus factores ambientales. A partir del conocimiento y análisis de todos estos parámetros, se le puede calcular a una balsa determinada, constru / Colomer Mendoza, FJ. (2006). Análisis y sistematización de la seguridad medioambiental de los vertederos controlados de residuos urbanos y asimilables. Aplicación a las balsas de lixiviados [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/1842

Submitted by Maria Beatriz Vieira (mbeatriz.vieira@gmail.com) on 2017-05-02T12:50:45Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) dissertacao_daiane_gobes_de_jesus_santos.pdf: 687014 bytes, checksum: a785bb93a41c30478a5a8f868ccf5504 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Aline Batista (alinehb.ufpel@gmail.com) on 2017-05-02T18:04:47Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) dissertacao_daiane_gobes_de_jesus_santos.pdf: 687014 bytes, checksum: a785bb93a41c30478a5a8f868ccf5504 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Aline Batista (alinehb.ufpel@gmail.com) on 2017-05-02T18:06:10Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) dissertacao_daiane_gobes_de_jesus_santos.pdf: 687014 bytes, checksum: a785bb93a41c30478a5a8f868ccf5504 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-02T18:06:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) dissertacao_daiane_gobes_de_jesus_santos.pdf: 687014 bytes, checksum: a785bb93a41c30478a5a8f868ccf5504 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-08-18 / Sem bolsa / O pau de balsa (Ochroma pyramidale) vem se constituindo como umas das principais espécies arbóreas no ramo de reflorestamento, devido ao seu ponto de corte rápido, que varia entre cinco e sete anos. As sementes de pau de balsa apresentam dormência devido à impermeabilidade do tegumento, dificultando a sua germinação. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência de métodos de superação de dormência em sementes de pau de balsa. O experimento foi conduzido na Empresa de Pesquisa, Assistência e Extensão Rural (EMPAER), situada na cidade de Guarantã do Norte - Mato Grosso. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: 1) choque térmico por 10 minutos, 2) choque térmico por 15 minutos, 3) choque térmico por 20 minutos, 4) choque térmico por 25 minutos, 5) acetona por 15 minutos e 6) hipoclorito de sódio por 15 minutos. As variáveis avaliadas foram germinação em substrato, índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento de parte aérea, raiz e total de plântulas. Com base nos resultados é possível concluir que A imersão em água quente seguida de imersão água fria (choque térmico) é um tratamento eficiente na superação de dormência de sementes de pau de Balsa (O. pyramidale). O choque térmico com imersão em água quente e fria (80ºC/ 8ºC) por 15 minutos e recomendável para superação de dormência de sementes de pau de balsa. / Pau de balsa (Ochroma pyramidale) has been becoming as one of the main tree species in reforestation branch, due to its fast cut-off point, which ranges between five and seven years. Pau de balsa seeds presentsdormancy due to the impermeability of the seed coat, impairing seed germination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of overcoming dormancy methods in Pau de balsa seeds. The essay was carried out at company Research, Assistance and Rural Extension (EMPAER), located in the city of Guarantã do Norte - Mato Grosso. Treatments used were: 1) thermal shock for 10 minutes, 2) thermal shock for 15 minutes 3) thermal shock for 20 min, 4) thermal shock for 25 minutes, 5) acetone for 15 minutes, and 6) hypochlorite sodium for 15 minutes. Variables evaluated were germination in substrate, germination speed index, shoot length, root length and total seedlings length. Thermal shock with soaking in hot plus cold-water (80ºC/ 8ºC) for 15 minutes is recommended in order to overcome dormancy of pau de balsa seeds.