Has experience in the area of forest resources and forestry, with emphasis on technology and use of forest products and development of new materials. It develops work on the application of nanotechnology in the forest-based sector and application of non-destructive techniques for characterization and prediction of properties. Acting mainly on the following topics: wood quality, identification and anatomical characterization, physical-chemical and mechanical characterization of wood, activated carbon production, composite materials and nanocomposites, use of forest residues, thermally modified wood, colorimetry, non-destructive techniques, development of methodologies of modification and characterization of cellulose and nanocellulose and development of packaging in the paper industry.
EDUCATION
I have a degree in Industrial Engineering from the Federal University of Paraná (2010). MSc and PhD in Forestry Engineering from the Federal University of Paraná.
She received a doctorate sandwich for 6 months, with a partnership from the University of Waterloo, Canada. I am a Professor of Forest Engineering at the Federal University of Mato Grosso. Pos-doc at University of Waterloo (2023) at chemical Engineering.
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Forestry, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Biomaterials, Polymers and Plastics
37
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
High-Kappa Eucalyptus Kraft Pulp in a Biorefinery Context: Balancing Sugar Production with Fiber-Reinforcement Potential Clarissa Fleury Rocha, Elaine Cristina Lengowski, Naiara Mariana Fiori Monteiro Sampaio, Priscila Tiemi Higuti do Nascimento, Patrícia Raquel Silva Zanoni, et al. Forests, 2026 To establish a biorefinery within kraft-pulp mills, the extraction of fermentable sugars must be balanced with the preservation of fiber quality for papermaking. This study investigates this trade-off by applying partial enzymatic hydrolysis to unbleached high-kappa eucalyptus kraft pulp to co-produce bioethanol and packaging-grade materials. Although the mass-transfer limitations inherent to the high-consistency strategy (15% solids or 150 g L−1) restrict extensive saccharification (keeping glucose conversion below 5% at 1.5 h), it naturally directs the process toward a low-severity regime essential for fiber conservation. Structural analysis (X-ray diffraction and microscopy) revealed that enzymes preferentially targeted amorphous regions, increasing crystallinity (from ≈74% to ≈82%) but reducing intrinsic fiber strength (tear) over time (dropping from ~5.6 to ~2.3 mN·m2·g−1 within 30 min). However, a strategic window for valorization has been identified. Instead of direct papermaking, hydrolyzed residue is highly effective as a strength-enhancing additive. When blended (20% w w−1) with commercial pulp, the modified fibers improved interfiber bonding, restored the tensile strength, and significantly increased the Burst Index (up to ~1.7 kPa·m2·g−1). These results demonstrate a viable industrial approach using partial hydrolysis to recover hemicellulose-based sugars for biofuels, while transforming the solid fraction into a high-performance reinforcement agent for paper packaging. This approach effectively converts a potential trade-off into a synergistic dual-product stream.
Correlation between the heating value and the chemical characteristics of Eucalyptus biomass Eraldo Antonio Bonfatti Júnior, Rudson Silva Oliveira, Elaine Cristina Lengowski, Alan Sulato de Andrade, Dimas Agostinho da Silva Ciencia Rural, 2025 The chemical characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass determine its suitability as an energy source, affecting its combustibility, flame stability, and overall energy efficiency. Therefore, this study assessed the correlation between the chemical characteristics and higher heating value (HHV) in Eucalyptus biomass components (wood, bark, branches, and leaves) of three species (E. benthamii, E. dunnii, and E. saligna). The results revealed varying chemical compositions among the components and species, which impacted the HHV differently. Notably, volatile materials positively influenced the HHV, whereas excessive ash content negatively affected the energy potential. Positive correlations with HHV were observed for the total extractives content in the bark, total lignin content in the leaves, volatile materials content in the bark, leaves, and stem, and fixed carbon content in the stem. Conversely, the holocellulose content reduced the bark HHV. Volatile materials, except in the branches, efficiently increased the HHV. None of the chemical characteristics had a significant impact on the branches HHV.
Physical, mechanical, and combustion properties of twelve wood species from the Brazilian Amazon Leandro Vinicius Carbonato de Souza, Bruno Zanatta, Adriano Siqueira, Bárbara Luísa Corradi Pereira, Elaine Cristina Lengowski, et al. Maderas Ciencia Y Tecnologia, 2025 Studying the combustibility and physical‒mechanical properties of wood is important for recommending its use in construction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combustibility, as well as the physical and mechanical properties, of twelve Brazilian Amazonian woods. Species. For each species, the combustibility parameters, fire exposure test, residual mass, loss mass, intact mass, charred area, proximate analysis, basic density, compressive strength and modulus of elasticity were determined. All the evaluated properties were significant affected by the wood species. In the fire exposure test, ignition time ranged from 21 s to 55 s while flame time was between 108 s and 233 s. Residual mass ranged from 60,7% to 82,7%, and intact areas ranged from 28,13 % to 62,68 %. Basic density values ranged from 335 kg/m3 to 889 kg/m3, compressive strength ranged from 29 MPa to 82 MPa, and the modulus of elasticity ranged from 9 GPa to 33 GPa. The wood of Hymenaea courbaril (courbaril), Manilkara huberi (masaranduba), Handroanthus serratifolius (yellow lapacho) was identified as the most suitable for structural components, ensuring greater safety against possible fires. Short-term fire exposure tests, particularly the ignition time parameter combined with residual mass and intact area, are key for assessing wood resistence to fires.
Radial Variation in Colorimetric Parameters, Chemical Composition, and Biological Resistance of Teak Wood Extracted from 13- and 22-Year-Old Teak Trees Camila Mendes Campos, Waldelaine Rodrigues Hoffmann, Francyele dos Santos Correia, Elaine Cristina Lengowski, Márcio José da Silva, et al. Forests, 2025 This study aimed to evaluate the influence of age on the colorimetric parameters, chemical composition, and biological resistance of teak heartwood, transition zone, and sapwood. Samples of 13- and 22-year-old trees were collected from fast-growing commercial plantations in Mato Grosso, Brazil. From the heartwood, transition zone, and sapwood sections, we determined the CIEL*a*b* system colorimetric parameters and extractive contents and performed Py-CG/MS analysis and an accelerated degradation assay with the xylophagous fungus Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd. The 22-year-old wood presented greater redness and lower yellowness, and the heartwood was darker, with greater redness and lower yellowness than the other radial positions. The average content of total extractives varied between ages: 7.83% (13years) and 8.23% (22years). A total of 119 compounds were identified in teak wood, of which 51 presented areas greater than 1%. Quinones were identified in the heartwood and transition zone, with similar values between ages and approximately 7% in the heartwood. Although the durability increased significantly with age, the magnitude was slight. Wood from 22-year-old trees exhibited a lower average mass loss (10.30%) compared to wood from 13-year-old trees (12.68%). In contrast, differences between regions were more pronounced. Sapwood showed a mass loss of 22.5%, transition zone wood of 10.14%, and heartwood of 1.86%. We concluded that age influenced the colorimetric parameters, chemical composition, and biological resistance of teak wood. Teak heartwood from fast-growing plantations, both from final harvesting (22-years-old) and from thinning (13-years-old), is indicated for uses that require high biological resistance.
A Novel Approach to Protect Brazil Nuts from Lipid Oxidation: Efficacy of Nanocellulose–Tocopherol Edible Coatings Debora Ribeiro Nascimento, Juliana Mesquita, Thayanne da Silva, Thais Hernandes, Elaine Cristina Lengowski, et al. Coatings, 2024 High levels of unsaturated fatty acids in Brazil nuts compromise their sensory quality through lipid oxidation. To mitigate this reaction, it is crucial to package nuts under a vacuum and in aluminate packaging. An alternative method is the application of an edible coating with antioxidant properties. This study aimed to develop an edible coating composed of carboxymethylcellulose and sorbitol, physically reinforced with nanocellulose, and chemically fortified with tocopherol. The edible coating was characterized based on its physical properties, mechanical strength, biodegradability, optical light transmission properties, color parameters, and water vapor permeability. Formulations CC5 (Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) + sorbitol + 5% nanocellulose) and CCT5 (CMC + sorbitol + tocopherol + soy lecithin + 5% nanocellulose) showed enhanced mechanical strength. The combination of nanocellulose with tocopherol in formulations CCT3 (CMC + sorbitol + tocopherol + soy lecithin + 3% nanocellulose) and CCT5 developed superior barriers to visible and ultraviolet light, a desired characteristic for coatings intended to increase the shelf life of Brazil nuts. The nuts coated with CC5 and CCT3 showed the lowest PV values at the end of the accelerated oxidation test conducted at 60 °C.
Unbleached Nanofibrillated Cellulose as Additive and Coating for Kraft Paper Elaine Cristina Lengowski, Eraldo Antonio Bonfatti Júnior, Leonardo Coelho Simon, Vitória Maria Costa Izidio, Alan Sulato de Andrade, et al. Coatings, 2024 Although paper packages are biodegradable, their applications in food packaging are limited due to high affinity for absorbing moisture and the high permeability of gases and liquids with surroundings. Therefore, exploring the use biodegradable coatings such as nanocellulose to improve barrier is a relevant strategy. This study assessed the efficacy of unbleached nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) as an additive to paper and coatings. Using NFC derived from unbleached eucalyptus pulp, a 5% mass addition to the paper pulp and a 2 mm wet nanocellulose coating to kraft paper handsheets made from pine pulp were investigated. In addition, nanocellulose films of similar thicknesses were appraised. The physical, morphological, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of the resulting papers were assessed. Incorporating NFC notably enhanced the morphology area of the paper by padding its pores, thus increasing its density by up to 48% and improving its water barrier properties by up to 50%. The mechanical strength showed significant enhancements, particularly in bursting and tensile strength with increases of up to 134% and 50%, respectively. Anyhow, the films exhibited lower bursting indices and no improvement in the tearing index. Nonetheless, the thermal stability of the handsheets with NFC coating meets the minimum requirements for food packaging.
A Comparative Analysis of Tannin and Commercial Fire Retardants in Wood Fire Protection Eraldo Antonio Bonfatti Júnior, Jeinna Michelly Rodrigues de Barros, Gustavo Felizardo Silva, Elaine Cristina Lengowski Forests, 2024 In civil construction, one of the primary challenges associated with wood application is its high flammability and low durability during fires. Although chemical treatment with fire-retardant properties exists, they are expensive and of non-renewable origin. Tannin, a wood extractive, being a phenolic compound, holds promise for enhancing the thermal properties of wood. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of tannin as a fire retardant and compare it with a commercial product, as well as comparing different application techniques for these products. Wood samples from the Simarouba amara Aubl. species were utilized. Tannin and a commercial flame retardant were applied via immersion, vacuum impregnation, brushing, and a treatment of tannin incorporated into water-based wood varnish. Alongside the burning test performance, assessments of the wood’s physical properties, such as colorimetry, thermal stability, and mass retention, were conducted. The application of tannin altered the wood’s color and reduced the spread of fire; its presence significantly reduced the flame duration and maintained the wood’s structural integrity. However, tannin retention was lower compared to commercial flame retardant, leading to reduced fire retardancy. Among the methods tested, immersion proved to be the most effective in enhancing the wood’s resistance to flame contact.
Fresh and hardened properties of cementitious composites with the addition of nanofibrillated cellulose Carolina Ksiaskiewcz Czovny, Gustavo de Miranda Saleme Gidrão, Géssica Katalyne Bilcati, Elaine Cristina Lengowski, Rúbia Mara Bosse, et al. Revista Ibracon De Estruturas E Materiais, 2024 Evaluating the effects of nanomaterials in cementitious systems is paramount to projecting high-performance construction materials. However, the synthesis of some nanomaterials on a large scale and their toxicity may limit their application. In this context, nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), a biodegradable and natural material stand out. Thus, this paper aims to study the influence of NFC on the fresh, hardened properties (compressive and flexural strengths) and mineralogy of cementitious systems. The results indicated that incorporating up 0.075 wt.% to CNF reduced the spread of cement pastes by up to 14.0%. A CNF content of 0.025 wt.% increased the 28-d compressive and flexural strengths by 22.0% and 25.0%, respectively, compared to the control sample. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate that higher NFC contents (>0.025 wt.%) resulted in lower intensity portlandite peaks after 7 days, which may show a lower hydration degree, especially concerning the plain cement paste. These results suggest that the NFC can affect the hydration of cementitious matrices at early ages; however, it did not significantly affect the hydration degree after 28 days of hydration.
Colorimetry and chemical properties of thermally modified Parkia pendula and Simarouba amara wood Leonardo Vinícius de SOUZA, Diego Martins STANGERLIN, Rafael Rodolfo de MELO, Elaine Cristina LENGOWSKI, Eraldo Antonio BONFATTI JÚNIOR, et al. Acta Amazonica, 2024 The thermal modification of wood is a process that alters its chemical composition, aiming to improve technological properties such as dimensional stability, reduction of equilibrium moisture content, homogeneity, or color. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the colorimetry and chemical properties of the wood of Parkia pendula (angelim-saia) and Simarouba amara (marupá) that was thermally modified by different methods. Three treatments were evaluated: T1 (pre-treatment in an oven for one hour at 120 °C and treatment in an oven at 180 °C for three hours); T2 (pre-treatment in an autoclave at 125 °C for three hours under 1.2 kgf cm-2 and treatment in an oven at 180 °C for three hours); and T3 (without pre-treatment, with sample treatment in vegetable oil). The thermally modified wood was evaluated in relation to untreated wood for structural chemical composition (extractives, lignin, holocellulose and ash content), colorimetric parameters defined through the CIELAB (Commission Internationale de l´Eclairage) system and total color variation. We detected a significant increase in extractives content and a decrease in holocellulose and lignin content in T3 for both species, which can be explained by the impregnation of oil in the wood samples. The thermal modification caused the surface darkening of the wood of both species, which was more pronounced in P. pendula. Despite the colorimetric change, there was no chemical damage to the wood.
Nanocellulose Coating on Kraft Paper Elaine Cristina Lengowski, Eraldo Antonio Bonfatti Júnior, Leonardo Coelho Simon, Graciela Inês Bolzon de Muniz, Alan Sulato de Andrade, et al. Coatings, 2023
Wood waste characterization and reuse possibilities Eraldo Antonio Bonfatti Júnior, Thiago Campos Monteiro, Elaine Cristina Lengowski Handbook of Research on Waste Diversion and Minimization Technologies for the Industrial Sector, 2021
Properties of thermally modified teakwood Elaine Cristina Lengowski, Eraldo Antonio Bonfatti, Silvana Nisgoski, Graciela Inês Bolzon de Muñiz, Umberto Klock Maderas Ciencia Y Tecnologia, 2021
Nanocellulose-reinforced adhesives for wood-based panels Elaine Cristina Lengowski, Eraldo Antonio Bonfatti Júnior, Marina Mieko Nishidate Kumode, Mayara Elita Carneiro, Kestur Gundappa Satyanarayana Sustainable Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites, 2019
Nanocellulose in the paper making Elaine Cristina Lengowski, Eraldo Antonio Bonfatti Júnior, Marina Mieko Nishidate Kumode, Mayara Elita Carneiro, Kestur Gundappa Satyanarayana Sustainable Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites, 2019
