Publicação on-line; 30 ref.; 5 tables; 1 illus.; Summary

ABSTRACT

Natural products have been studied in order to ensure environmental sustainability, human
health, and diminish the use of traditional products. The objective of this study was to evaluate
the efficiency of pure andiroba (Carapa guianensis), copaiba (Copaifera langsdorffii) and jatropha
(Jatropha curcas) oils and enriched with iodine (I2) on the biological resistance of Pinus elliottii
wood to dry-wood termites (Cryptotermes brevis). The oils were enriched with 1%, 3%, and 5%
of I2 and impregnated into the wood by cold immersion. The treated samples were subjected
to volatilization and leaching. Volatilization and leaching did not affect the loss of mass caused
by termites, except for treatments with pure and enriched with 1% iodine copaiba oil. Leached
samples were more damaged. The addition of iodine to the oils resulted in a greater efficiency
against termites. Andiroba (3% and 5% I2) and jatropha oils (5%) were the most efficient,
providing total termite mortality.

Keywords: wood durability, biological testing, dry-wood termites.