Comparative study on physical properties of four fast growing timber species of Bangladesh

IRG/WP 06-10570

M M Islam, B K Dey, M O Hannan, G N M Ilias

Ghoraneem (Melia azedarach), Rain tree (Albizia saman), Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) and Akashmoni (Acacia auriculiformis) plantations are started as a fast growing timber specie from a few years back in Bangladesh. Initian objectives were to get fuel wood only from those trees, but a very positive response was found for Ghoraneem, Rain Tree, Sissoo and Akashmoni timber in the users market by cutting the trees and therefore maintaining its rotation period. The timber of these trees also attracted the furniture makers as well as general users due to its grain, texture, colour, availability and low-cost which helped to boost the commercial value of the species. This popularity and high demand of Ghoraneem, Rain Tree, Sissoo and Akashmoni timber in the market encouraged to carry out a comparative study on the physical properties of these fast growing species. The wood samples from three different heights for every individual test have been collected and their respective physical properties such as shrinkage, density and moisture content were examined to make a comparison. Ghoraneem, Rain Tree, Sissoo and Akashmoni trees showed significant difference in respect of tangential and radial shrinkage, respectively. Rain tree showed the lowest volumetric shrinkage (7,517%) and Akashmoni the highest (13,66%). Tangential, radial and longitudinal shrinkage didn’t differ significantly among the top, middle and bottom sections of a particular quality of wood. Density also differed significantly among the species. Sissoo showed the highest density (0.74 g/cm3) when compared to the others.


Keywords: fast growing timber species, physical properties, shrinkage, density, moisture content

Conference: 06-06-18/22 Tromsoe, Norway


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