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Physical, Mechanical and Seasoning Properties of 45 Lesser Used or Unused Forest Timbers of Bangladesh and Their Uses

M. A. Sattar
Chief Research Officer
Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, P. O. Box 273, Chittagong-4000, Bangladesh.

D. K. Bhattacharjee
Research Assistant
Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, P. O. Box 273, Chittagong-4000, Bangladesh.

S. B. Sarker
Senior Research Officer
Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, P. O. Box 273, Chittagong-4000, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Forty-five lesser used or unused forest species have been studied for the determination of physical, mechanical and seasoning properties. These include timbers of low density and low strength to very heavy and strong wood. In respect of drying characteristics, the timbers fall under easy to difficult groups. Based on these properties, each species has multiple uses ranging from packing box, furniture, joinery, door, window, railway sleeper, pole, bridge and other purposes.

Keywords: Lesser used, Unused timbers, Forest timbers, Wood properties, Uses

Location: Chittagonh Hill Tracts

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Postharvest and Agro-processing

Commodity: Tree

Objectives:

To evaluate the physical, mechanical and seasoning characteristics of 45 lesser used and unused forest timber species

Methodology:

Forty-five lesser used and unused forest timber species were selected for this study. Logs of these species were collected from the forests of Chittagong Hill Tracts. Three representative trees of each species were taken. Discs of 10 cm were cut from the butt, middle and top trunk from each species. Six specimens having a nominal size of 2.5 cm×2.5 cm were prepared from each disc totalling 54 specimens for each species. The green specimens were soaked overnight till these were fully saturated. The green volume of the individual specimen was determined by the water displacement method. The specimens were then equilibriated at 12% moisture content (emc). The volume at this condition was determined by measuring the actual dimension of the specimen with the help of a dial guage. The specimens were dried in an oven at a temperature of 103±2? till the specimens attained constant weights. The oven dry weights of specimens were taken by an electric balance and the ovendry volumes were measured by coating the specimens with paraffin wax. Specific gravity was determined based on ovendry weight and volumes at green, 12% moisture content and ovendry condition. The 7.5 cm dimension in the direction of shrinkage measurement. initial dimension was taken with the help of a gauge. The specimens were then equilibriated 12% emc and the dimensions were measured that condition. Finally, the specimens were pIaced in an oven maintained initially at 60°C and progressively raising the temperature to 103+2?. Two planks of 2.5cm×20cm×2m dimensions were taken from each tree totalling planks for each species as samples. These samples along with other planks were stacked following the box piling method in a force compartment type steamheated kiln. The dules developed at this Institute Prior to drying, moisture secti were prepared from the individual sample the initial moisture content was determined the ovendrying method. The samples were endcoated with bituminus paint, and theirini weights were taken. Total time from green condition to 12% mew determined and drying defects were asses qualitatively after the completion of drying. Bolt of 2.4 m was cut from the butt, middle to from each tree. Two paired sticks of 7m×7cm were prepared totalling 36 sticks. All the sticks were dressed to 5.08cm×5.08 cm strips and clear specimens were prepared from these strips. Mechanical proper-viz., modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity were evaluated from the static bending in accordance with the specification of ASTM.

Source of Information: Bangladesh Journal of Forest Science, Jan-June. 1995, Vol.24(2), pp:11-21, ISSN:1021-3279.

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Within the range of data presented in this report, the probable uses of 45 lesser known timber species have been suggested as mentioned under three groups. Forty-five lesser used or unused forest species have been studied for the determination of physical, mechanical and seasoning properties. These include timbers of low density and low strength to very heavy and strong wood. In respect of drying characteristics, the timbers fall under easy to difficult groups. Based on these properties, each species has multiple uses ranging from packing box, furniture, joinery, door, window, railway sleeper, pole, bridge and other purposes.

Knowledge Management: Journal