Fiber dimensions, physical and mechanical properties of five important hardwood plants

Abstract

The wood fiber dimensions (fiber length, fiber width, cell wall thickness and lumen diameter), physical (oven-dry density) and mechanical properties (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, compression parallel to the grain) of five hardwood plants such as oak (Quercus castaneaefolia), beech (Fagus orientalis), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), alder (Alnus glutinosa) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) were investigated. These trees are important plant species for wood production in Iran. Five normal trees of each plant species were selected in north part of Iran and log samples were cut between 2-4 m of stem height to determine the mentioned properties. The relationship between physical properties (wood density) and anatomical characteristics with mechanical strength traits were determined by Pearson correlation. Results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the types of plant species had significant effect on the different wood properties. The highest of wood density, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and compression parallel to the grain values were found in hornbeam, beech, ash, and oak, respectively. The lowest of mechanical strength properties was found in alder wood.