Wood Research at the University of Sopron – Physical-mechanical Properties

Abstract

This study series shows research fields and results in wood science of the University of Sopron, Hungary. In this paper, we review several studies regarding the physical-mechanical properties of wood, including some properties of Turkey oak grown in different stands, showing that it should be planted among other species in same stand to achieve optimal wood quality. Research in the field of the firewood plantations has shown that it is necessary to choose the right species of poplars, in a given area. Paulownia and some invasive species grow rapidly, so they have great potential as raw materials and there are significant differences between paulownia varieties. Based on their densities, box elder, tree of heaven and green ash can be substituted for the noble species. Basswood can be well impregnated with paraffin, making it a good choice for pencils. Low-quality noble oak logs have the potential to be used in structural elements as lamellae, improving the yield and decreasing the loss in the wood industry. Black locust, sessile oak, beech, poplar, larch and spruce were subjected to different mechanical test methods at different moisture contents. Their properties decreased with increasing moisture content between 12% moisture content and FSP for all six wood species, but the ratio of changes varied, depending both on the measurement method and on the species.