Abstract
The mechanical and thermal properties of the pseudostem of Pupunha (Bactris gasipaes) palm were evaluated in order to identify possible engineering applications for this material. The microstructure of the material was analyzed by digital optical microscopy, and microstructural features were quantified. Also, the wear behavior and the shear bond strength of adhesively bonded pupunha planks were analyzed. The results show that the material obtained from the pseudostem of this palm tree has superior mechanical properties, comparable or higher than those of several commonly used hardwoods.
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