Abstract
Rattan cane is an important forest product with economic value. Its anatomical, physical, and biological properties vary with the cane height. This makes it difficult to select the appropriate cane diameter for harvesting. Understanding the material properties of rattan cane with different diameter sizes is important to enhance its utilization and performance for different end uses. Thus, the present study was performed on two rattan species, Calamus zollingeri and Calamus ornatus, at two different cane heights (bottom/mature and top/juvenile). Calamus zollingeri was studied at diameter classes of 20 mm and 30 mm, while Calamus ornatus was analyzed at a diameter class of 15 mm. The anatomical properties, basic density, volumetric swelling, dynamic moisture sorption, and biological durability of rattan samples were studied. The results showed that C. zollingeri with a 20 mm diameter exhibited the highest basic density, hydrophobicity, dimensional stability, and durability against mold and white-rot (Trametes versicolor) fungi. As confirmed by anatomical studies, this could be due to the higher vascular bundle frequency and longer thick-walled fibers that led to a denser structure than in the other categories. In addition, the lignin content might have a positive effect on the mass loss of different rattan canes caused by white-rot decay.
Highlights
Rattan are spiny and climbing palms mainly distributed in Southeast Asia and in West and Central Africa [1]
Rattan canes of Calamus zollingeri Beccari and Calamus ornatus Blume grown in Sulawesi, Indonesia were collected from local suppliers for this study
The canes were 3000 mm long and belonged to three diameter classes, viz. 30, 20, and 15 mm. Both semi- and fully polished samples were used for C. zollingeri while only fully polished samples were used for C. ornatus
Summary
Rattan are spiny and climbing palms mainly distributed in Southeast Asia and in West and Central Africa [1]. The medium and large diameter canes are used for furniture frames, walking sticks, sporting goods, and rural bridges, while small diameter canes are used either in round or split form, in basket making, chair seats, lampshades, and a variety of handicraft items [2]. Rattan canes are widely used as excellent natural materials for ropes, decorative items, housing, craft products, umbrella handles, sporting goods, hats, cordage, birdcages, matting, baskets, hoops, and as implant materials [3,4]. Calamus grows over a large area and has excellent properties and extensive commercial uses. Studies on this genus are still quite scarce. Harvested rattan undergoes physico-chemical treatment and mechanical processing. Semi- or full polishing is done at various stages of the workflow and can be done after cutting, bending, molding, or assembling, and during the finishing process [8]
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