Effect of Tree Portion and Distance from Pith on Specific Gravity, Fiber Properties and Mechanical Properties of Kelampayan (Neolamarckia cadamba) Wood

Abstract

Specific gravity, fiber properties, and mechanical properties are the important factors to be considered in determining the end use of wood material. This study was conducted to determine the effect of tree portion and distance from pith on specific gravity, fiber properties (fiber length, fiber diameter), and mechanical properties of Kelampayan (Neolamarckia cadamba) wood. Three Kelampayan trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) ranging from 35 to 41 cm were harvested from UiTM Jengka, Pahang forest and were used in this study. Tree portion and distance from pith showed significant effect on fiber length, fiber diameter, modulus of rupture (MOR), compression parallel to grain, and shear parallel to grain. Specific gravity was not affected. Mechanical properties of Kelampayan wood in general increases significantly with increase in tree portion. MOR shows a positive correlation with tree portion. Modulus of elasticity also increased insignificantly with tree portion. Shear parallel to grain was also found to increase significantly with longer fiber length value. Compression parallel to grain according to tree portion was found to be significantly higher at the middle portion (25.01 MPa) than top (21.65 MPa) and bottom (20.34 MPa). All mechanical properties of Kelampayan wood increased significantly from pith to near bark. Modulus of rupture (MOR) at near bark (40.58 MPa) was found to be higher at near pith (32.11 MPa) with a positive correlation (r = 0.293*).