Densidad y propiedades mecánicas de la madera de Acacia melanoxylon Implantada en Argentina

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to determine the density (at 12 % m. c.) and the mechanical properties of sawn wood of Argentinean Acacia melanoxylon, and to study the relationship between these properties. Test samples were randomly selected from the material obtained by sawing 20 trees harvested in four different plantations grown in the southeast of Buenos Aires province. Density was determined according to IRAM 9544 and mechanical tests were carried out by following the procedures of ASTM D 143. The mean value obtained for density reached 564 kg.m-3. Strength exhibited the following mean values: 89,9 N.mm-2 in bending, 49,5 N.mm-2 in compression parallel to the grain, 11,7 N.mm-2 in compression perpendicular and 11.6 N.mm-2 in shear parallel. The average hardness reached 45,3 N.mm-2 and the modulus of elasticity in bending exhibited a mean value of 10926 N.mm-2. These results are congruent with those expected for a medium-density wood and they can be considered suitable for uses related to the construction and furniture industries. Coefficients of determination (R2) ranging from 0,73 to 0,87 were found between density and mechanical properties. R2 reached 0,72 between modulus of elasticity and bending strength.