ASSESSMENT OF THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FIBER AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF TREE SPECIES
Keywords:
density; fiber properties; mechanical test; timber.Abstract
The variations in mechanical and fiber properties and wood density of seven commonly used timber species in the furniture industry of Sri Lanka were studied. Wood density, compressive strength (parallel to grain and perpendicular to grain), and static bending proportional limit properties were measured. Specifications stated in BS 373: 1957 were used as the standards for the tests. The mechanical property test was performed using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM 100 PC). Fiber analysis was done according to modified Franklin’s method. Regarding density, all fiber properties decreased according to the trend graph. Similarly, no significant correlations were found among fiber properties (fiber length, fiber diameter, and fiber wall thickness) and bending proportional limit, MOR, and MOE. A higher Runkel ratio in high-density timber species was associated with higher strength values.
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