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Physical and Mechanical Properties of (acacia Auriculiformis X a Mangium) Hybrid Acacia

U.K. ROKEYA
Seasoning and Timber Physics Division, Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, P.O. Box 273, Chittagong-4000, Bangladesh

M. AKTER HOSSAIN
Seasoning and Timber Physics Division, Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, P.O. Box 273, Chittagong-4000, Bangladesh

M. ROWSON ALI
Seasoning and Timber Physics Division, Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, P.O. Box 273, Chittagong-4000, Bangladesh

S. P. PAUL
Seasoning and Timber Physics Division, Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, P.O. Box 273, Chittagong-4000, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The physical and mechanical properties of hybrid Acacia, produced from natural crossing between two introduced timber species (Acacia auriculiformis and Acacia mangium) were studied. The timber hybrid Acacia is of medium dense having specific gravity 0.56 at green condition which is less than that of teak (Tectona grandis). The volumetric shrinkage of hybrid Acacia wood was found greater than that of teak but the specific gravity was found less than that of teak. From the study of physical and mechanical properties it is evident that the species is moderately strong. The species is suitable for making furniture and other household articles.

Keywords: Hybrid Acacia, Specific gravity, Physical properties, Mechanical properties

Location: Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, Chittagong

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Development of Host and Medicinal Plants

Commodity: Timber

Objectives:

The present study was undertaken for the determination of physical and mechanical properties of hybrid Acacia in order to ensure their proper end uses.

Methodology:

Three representative trees of hybrid Acacia species was collected from the Silviculture Research Station, Keochia, Chittagong. The age of the tree was 9 - 12 years and the height and girth were 8 - 12.5 m and 50 - 85 cm, respectively. Three samples per bole were selected randomly from each of three 2.50 m bolts above the stump height of each tree. All the bolts were fairly straight and free from natural defects. For determination of physical properties, namely moisture content, specific gravity and shrinkage, each tree was divided into its butt, middle and top position. The sizes of the samples are 2.54 cm × 2.54 cm × 5.08 cm and 5.08 cm × 5.08 × 15.24 cm, respectively. For determination of mechanical properties the bolts were marked into 6.35 cm2 according to the standard sawing diagram and were sawn to 6.35 cm × 6.35 cm × 2.50 m sticks. The sticks were prepared in pairs. One stick was taken from each test in green condition and the other for air-dry condition. The sticks for air-dry tests were staked using suitable stickers inside a drying shed and allowed to attain the equilibrium moisture content of 12 - 14%. Measurement of properties: Small clear specimens were tested, in both green and air-dry states, for the following physical and mechanical properties using the procedure given in ASTM (Anon. 1971). Moisture content: Moisture content is the amount of water in wood expressed as a percentage of its oven dry weight. Specific gravity: The specific gravity was determined based on oven dry weight and volumes at green, 12% moisture content and oven dry conditions. Shrinkage: The volumetric shrinkage was determined from the data for density measurements. The volume values at green, 12% moisture content and oven dry conditions were used for the determination of volumetric shrinkage. Mechanical properties: All the test sticks were dressed to 5.08 cm × 5.08 cm × 2.50 m strips and clear specimens to the sizes specified by the American Society for Testing of Materials (ASTM) standards D 143-52 (Anon. 1971). The specimens of various parameters were tested in accordance with the specifications of ASTM except toughness. The tests for mechanical properties were carried out in a Riehle screw power type universal testing machine. Toughness tests were performed in a toughness testing machine designed by the US Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin. Static bending: It furnishes data on bending strength and stiffness for such uses as beams, joists, etc. Specimen of 2 × 2 × 30 cm is tested on a 28 cm span with centre loading.

Source of Information: Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 34, No. 2, 181-187, 2010

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Hybrid Acacia is a fast growing and productive tree with more resistance to heart rot disease. The heart wood is dark brown and sap wood is light coloured. It is a moderately heavy and moderately strong wood species. The species is fine grained and may be used for making furniture, small hand tools, cabinet door frame, window frame, for pulp and paper, and other purposes.

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