Characterization of the wood properties of Cedrelinga cateniformis as substitute for timbers used for window manufacturing and outdoor applications

Volker Haag,Gerald Koch,Eckhard Melcher,Johannes Welling

doi:10.4067/s0718-221x2020005000103

Abstract

Cedrelinga cateniformis (tornillo) is a timber species of the South American Amazon Basin. In its natural distribution area, the wood has various local uses, such as furniture, art work, door and window frames, and light construction. In order to promote this lesser known species for high valued applications on the international market, wood anatomical, topochemical and physical/mechanical studies were carried out to characterize the wood properties. The topochemical distribution of the lignin and phenolic extractives in the tissue were studied by means of cellular UV microspectrophotometry (UMSP). The results of the structural and topochemical analyses were compared with the interrelation of certain anatomical and subcellular structures as well as the chemical composition with regard to the physical and mechanical properties. The natural durability of the mature heartwood was analyzed according to the European Standards and is resulting in a durability class 1 against basidiomycetes. Based on the findings of the comprehensive investigations concerning physical and biological features, e.g. the dimensional stability and durability, Cedrelinga cateniformis is ideally suited as a substitute for overexploited tropical woods currently used in Europe for wooden window frames and other above ground outdoor applications and thus can contribute to increase the value-added production in Peruvian forests.

Highlights

Particular advantages of certain tropical woods compared to woods from temperate origins are suitable properties, especially in terms of natural durability, dimensional stability and high strengths
The aim of the present study is to provide detailed information on the wood properties of Cedrelinga cateniformis
The heartwood color varies from light to medium pinkish brown; transition to the somewhat lighter sapwood is gradual

Summary

Introduction

Particular advantages of certain tropical woods compared to woods from temperate origins are suitable properties, especially in terms of natural durability, dimensional stability and high strengths. During the past years the demand for timber with a high natural durability has increased significantly while the supply of traditionally traded timbers from natural tropical forests is getting more and more difficult (Brown et al 2003, Verwer et al 2008, Putzel et al 2011). In this context, plantation-grown timbers are favored as a considerable potential for ensuring a sustainable wood production and for reducing the pressure on timber from natural forests. Narrow and wider annual rings, different proportions of early-wood and late-wood, higher percentage of juvenile wood and different amounts of extractives might affect the properties such as density, swelling, shrinkage, strength and hardness as well as natural durability as the criterion qualifying a species for outdoor use

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