4 Names and descriptions of laboratories or research groups (when pertinent):
4.1 Wood Chemistry
The Wood Chemistry Laboratory is intended to perform chemical analyses typically performed on wood. These analyses aim to determine moisture levels and chemical composition of wood, specifically the determination of lignin content (Klason), soluble and insoluble, wood extractive levels in hot and cold water, and in several organic solvents such as toluene, methanol and dichloromethane.
Wood Chemistry Laboratory assists diverse audiences, such as students of undergraduate and graduate subjects, and develops projects in partnership with forest sector companies as well. It has necessary and appropriate infrastructure to meet its objectives. It is also equipped with chemical fume hoods, precision scales, heating plates and glassware in general.
4.2 Cellulose and paper
It aims to conduct small quality tests on wood for cellulose and paper production. Cellulose and Paper Laboratory is aimed to offer students of undergraduate-level subjects exclusive service and practical demonstrations. To meet its objectives, the Cellulose and Paper Laboratory offers some equipment such as: rotary digester, sheet forming machine, refiner mill (Dutch) as well as physical, optical and mechanical test equipment for cellulose and paper sheets.
4.3 Forest Biomass Energy
The Forest Biomass Energy Laboratory (LEBF) aims to determine forest biomass energy potential.
At the LEBF, analyses on wood and derivatives are carried out for classification of materials and selection of those presenting the best performances for this purpose.
It assists diverse audiences, such as students of undergraduate and graduate subjects, and develops projects in partnership with forest sector companies as well.
It has necessary and appropriate infrastructure to meet its objectives. It offers the following equipment: electric ovens (muffles), sterilization and drying ovens, precision scales and calorimeter, vegetable charcoal granulometric classifier and vegetable charcoal friability determinant (tumbling test).
The Multi-user Biomaterials Laboratory (LBM) aims to determine energy potential of forest biomass and vegetable residues.
At the LBM, analyses on wood and lignocellulosic residues are performed for classification of materials and selection of those presenting the best performances for this objective.
It assists diverse audiences, such as students of undergraduate and graduate subjects, and develops projects in partnership with forest sector companies as well.
It provides necessary and appropriate infrastructure to meet its objectives. It offers the following equipment: electric ovens (muffles), drying ovens, precision scales, calorimeters, elemental analyzer, microscopes, thermal analysis equipment, vegetable charcoal granulometric classifier and vegetable charcoal friability determinant (tumbling test).
4.4 Wood Anatomy
4.5 Physical and Mechanical Properties of Wood
The Physical and Mechanical Properties of Wood Laboratory performs tests on density, moisture, retractability and mechanical properties through destructive and non-destructive methods in wood and wood-based products. The laboratory assists the students of undergraduate and graduate subjects in Forest Engineering of UFLA, as well as research and demands from companies and the local community for determination of these wood properties.
To perform their activities, the laboratory offers various equipment as Universal Testing Machine, impact pendulum, Resistograph, Stress Wave Timer, testing machines for wood floors, Pilodyn, drying ovens, scales, moisture meters, measurement instruments and others.
4.6 Wood Machining
The Wood Machining Laboratory is composed of several robust precision machines for the secondary wood processing. It also has a modern particle exhaust system. All this structure has been relying on financial support from UFLA itself, CNPq and FAPEMIG.
This facility is designed for practical classes of the undergraduate (Forest Engineering) and graduate (Wood Science and Technology) programs of the Department of Forest Sciences of UFLA. Test specimens are also prepared in it to meet the various research projects of the sector. The main focus of specific research in machining wood and derivatives is quality of surfaces and safety/ergonomics of operators.
Regarding quality, research includes studies on execution parameters of the processing and measurement methods of the final state of surfaces obtained (laser, rugosimeters, vector images, among others).
Productive safety and ergonomics are intensely focused in all stages of mechanical processing. From the analysis of the current situation, proposals for improvements are generated, which involves development of protection equipment for isolated situations.
The intention is to disseminate technologies developed through extension programs as from constant technical visits to producers.