Anatomical, Physical, Mechanical and Technological Properties of Four Secondary, Lesser-Used Wood Species Growing in Blue Nile State, Sudan

Abstract

This investigation aimed at determining basic wood properties and quality attributes for four wood species growing in Blue Nile State as indicators for the different uses. The basic properties determined included some anatomical fiber characteristics, Most of these properties were determined from macerated fibers. Cell and cell components proportions, however, were measured from cross-sections, prepared by the microtome. These proportions and the fiber length were estimated using stereological techniques. . Physical properties - density, permeability, tangential shrinkage, radial shrinkage and moisture content, in addition to glue bond strength were determined according to standard procedures and so was compression parallel to the grain. Texture and surface quality, however, were determined according to an arbitrary visual grading method. Analysis of variance and Duncan’s Multiple Range test were carried out, looking for the levels of significance of the variations in all properties. Anatomical properties showed significant differences between the four species. . Physical properties also showed significant differences between the species studies. Talh had the highest density (0.82g/cm³) while Tartar had the lowest density (0.38g/cm³). Tangential and radial shrinkage were highest in gughan (10.19%), (5.41%) and lowest in Talh (6.02%), (3.06%) respectively. Liquid absorption (AB) ranged between Tartar (207.94%) and Talh (57.85%). Most of the absorption in tartar was along the grain and very little across the grain. Compression parallel to the grain showed a significant difference between talh, goghan 210,70MPa and kakamut (838.94, 840 and 838 MPa, respectively) on one side and tartar (210,70MPa) on the other; tartar being the weakest. Glue bond strength (BS) ranged between gughan (27.141Mpa) and Tartar (0.751Mpa), indicating that only gughan and kakamut gave adequate bond strength. With regards to texture gughan had the finest texture and grain uniformity, followed by kakamut and talh while tartar had a moderately course texture. Both kakamut and talh were also figured.