Selected physical and mechanical properties of the oil palm pseudo-trunk: Case of the Tenera variety from Cameroon

Abstract

The present study deals with the determination of the physical and mechanical characteristics of cork from the pseudo trunk of oil palm (Ténera variety). Nine sampling zones were distinguished on the pseudo trunk, three according to the radial section and three according to the length of the pseudo trunk. The physical and mechanical characteristics were distinguished in order to predict an application of the latter in the implementation of composite materials. Among these characteristics, the apparent density, the moisture content as well as the kinetics of absorption determined by a gravimetric method as physical characteristics. Flexural and tensile tests were performed in accordance with ASTM D790. The results obtained show that the apparent density is between 217 kg/m3 and 359 kg/m3. The moisture absorption is between 12% and 24%, the water absorption is between 88% and 251%, the model of Sikame et al., 2014 is the model that simulates best. Regarding the mechanical characterization, the Young's modulus in flexure is between 1566 MPa and 9969 MPa, with a breaking strength between 25 MPa and 336 MPa. In traction, the Young's modulus is between 941 MPa and 5798 MPa, the stress at break is between 12 MPa and 197 MPa. The results obtained on the wood of this palm can innovate several other works in particular in the implementation of insulating materials, in the reinforcement of composite materials and in the furnishing as wood.