PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF METIL (STERCULIA APPENDICULATA K.

SCHUM), A LESSER USED TIMBER SPECIES FROM MOZAMBIQUE

ALEXANDRE CHARIFO ALI1,2 & ERNESTO UETIMANE JUNIOR1,2
1 2

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Forest Products, Box 7008, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden, alexandre.charifo.ali@sprod.slu.se Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Departmento de Engenharia Mecnica /Engenharia Florestal, CP 257 Maputo, Mozambique. Abstract This study determined physical and mechanical properties of metil (Sterculia appendiculata K. Schum), a lesser used wood species from Mozambique and compared to some well known local wood species. The objective was to assess suitable end uses for metil wood based on measured properties as well as to describe axial and radial variations of some physical properties. The results showed that metil is a medium light wood with an average density of 550.6 kgm3 at 12 % moisture content (MC), 50.3 % green MC, 10.3 % volumetric shrinkage and coefficient of anisotropy of 1.8 from green to oven-dry state. The variation of physical properties showed that metil density decreased from bottom upwards along the trees height, with some insignificant fluctuations in radial direction. The axial green MC profile remained uniform along the trees height. The radial distribution of green MC was also uniform. The shrinkage of metil followed the density trend in both directions. In terms of mechanical properties, metil averaged 6180 Nmm2 for modulus of elasticity, 186 Nmm2 for modulus of rupture and 43 kJmm2 for impact bending strength. The study concluded that metil physical properties are comparable with those of the well known wood species such as umbila (Pterocarpus angolensis DC.), metonha (Sterculia quinqueloba K. Schum.) and chanfuta (Afzelia quanzensis Welw). However, metil has shown generally lower mechanical strength compared to some of mentioned well known species. Considering the properties of metil, the study proposed end uses such as production of packaging items and production of plywood. Keywords: density, Mozambique, physical and mechanical properties, shrinkage, Sterculia appendiculata, swelling.

INTRODUCTION Mozambiques forest hosts a variety of species dominated by the genera Brachystegia, Jubernadia and Isoberlina. The entire flora grows under semi-arid climate and is generally designated as miombo (MALMER 2007). Natural tropical forests are typically known by their high biodiversity along with low specific abundance, a factor that is presumably behind the selective logging in timber harvesting operations. In recent years, concerns over the sustainability of the selective logging have been faced as the growing stock of the most exploited timber species is experiencing a rapid decline (OGLE & NHANTUMBO 2006). Nevertheless, timber sector is still regarded as the most common source of employment in many rural areas across Africa including Mozambique. Nowadays, the timber sector in Africa is experiencing new forest management approach which includes the search for alternative/substitute timber species for the most exploited ones. Notable progresses on this aspect have been reported from Ghana (OTENGOAMOAKO 2006) and Tanzania (GILLAH et al. 2007). The need to acquire information on wood anatomical characteristics and properties of lesser known and
Wood Structure and Properties 10 edited by J. Kdela & R. Lagaa, pp. 149154 2010, Arbora Publishers, Zvolen, Slovakia ISBN 9788096886852

lesser used species from Mozambique was also discussed (ALI et al. 2008). Metil (Sterculia appendiculata K. Schum) has emerged as one of the new species with potential to widen the choices of Mozambican timbers since its growing stock was estimated to be 4 millions m3 (MARZOLI 2008). Until recently, metil has been mainly used by local people in rural areas, but its industrial use has been very limited. Probably the lack of knowledge on metils properties impaired its industrial use. In this wake, the wood anatomy of metil has been recently described (UETIMANE et al. 2009). There are two similar timber species from Sterculiaceae, namely Sterculia appendiculata (metil) and Sterculia quinqueloba (metonha) in Mozambique. The wood of metonha is locally marketed and occasionally exported, but its availability in the forest is diminishing and the species has been recently red listed by the national authorities (SABDN 1998). Despite not being the scope of the study, it is expected that the determination of metils properties may contribute to distinguish metil from metonha and therefore prevent harvesting of the latter species. The main objective of the study is to provide
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selected physico-mechanical properties of metil and thereafter assess its end-uses by comparison with other local timber species. In addition, the study described variations along the trees height (axial variation) and from pith outwards (radial variation) for selected physical properties of metil. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sampling and determination of physicomechanical properties Physical properties The specimens for determination of the physical properties were prepared from radial planks obtained from logs of five trees. The trees habitat, growing conditions and sampling procedures are described elsewhere (UETIMANE et al. 2009). Each tree bole was sectioned into three logs of the same length along the height to reflect axial variation (bottom, middle and top). From pith towards the bark, the planks were sawn and planed to produce specimens of 30 0.5 mm in longitudinal and 20 0.5 mm in strictly radial and tangential directions. A total of 325 specimens were prepared. The measured physical properties are density (green, oven dry, basic and at 12 % MC), green/initial moisture content, swelling, shrinkage and coefficient of anisotropy. In radial direction, the physical properties were only measured at the upper part of the bottom log (breast height) in 13 equidistant radial points from pith toward the bark (radial variation). The variation of total shrinkage was plotted in axial and radial directions while the green MC only in radial direction at 95 % confidence interval (CI). All properties were determined according to ISO standards 3129 (1975), 3130 (1975), 3131 (1975), 4469 (1981), 4858 (1982), 4459 (1982) and 4460 (1982). Mechanical properties For each mechanical property, twenty (20) clear samples (20 20 400 mm) were randomly taken from five trees irrespective of their position in the logs and subsequently prepared according to methods and general requirements for mechanical tests as recommended by International Organization for Standardization (ISO 3129: 1975). The mechanical properties were tested at 12 % moisture content (MC) by universal testing machine (Shimadzu AG-X 50 KN) and specifically referred to as: Static Hardness (perpendicular and parallel to grain ISO 3350:1975);

Compression Stress (parallel to grain ISO 3787:1976 and perpendicular to grain ISO 3132:1975); Static bending strength (modulus of elasticity MOE ISO 3349:1975 and modulus of rupture MOR ISO 3133:1975); Tensile strength (ISO 3345: 1975) and; Impact bending strength (ISO 3348: 1975).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Physical properties Wood density Wood density is widely regarded as one of the most important properties in wood utilization as it is generally associated with good performance, especially in applications demanding strength. Therefore, metil density is compared to the well known timbers from Mozambique (Table 1). In comparative terms, metil density is within the range of umbila (Pterocarpus angolensis DC.), slightly inferior to metonha (Sterculia quinqueloba K. Schum.), but clearly lighter than jambire (Millettia stuhlmannii Taub.). Metil timber density and hardness seems to favour uses such as packaging boxes and plywood. Indeed, in Tanzania metils reported uses include local construction, firewood, packaging boxes and plywood (BOSCH & LOUPPE 2008). However, metil timber is easily perishable and stained because of the lack of extractives in its very large vessels (UETIMANE et al. 2009). Despite this constraint, it seems that some of reported uses from Tanzania can successfully be extended to Mozambique. Axial and radial variation of metil density As mentioned earlier, the density of metil was measured both along the bole height (axial variation) and from pith toward the bark (radial variation). Density variation is plotted at 95 % confidence intervals (CI) and given by figures 1 and 2. The density of metil decreased slightly from bottom to top in axial direction (Figure 1). More specifically, the average green density dropped from 953.4 kgm3 (bottom) to 946.9 kgm3 (middle) and 901.3 kgm3 (top). Likewise, at 12 % MC, the density was 553.6 kgm3, 553.4 kgm3 and 530.9 kgm3 for bottom, middle and top respectively. The trend remained downwards for oven-dry density, i.e. 515.2 kgm3 (bottom), 513.7 kgm3 (middle) and 491.5 kgm3 (top).

Table 1 Comparison of metil density with three well known timbers from Mozambique. Metil Average CV (%) 930.0 9.0 550.6 7.2 511.6 7.4 459.1 7.9 Umbila* 400700 Metonha* 690880 Jambire* 720990

Density (kg/m3 )

Green 12 % MC Oven-dry Basic

Sources: (* LEMMENS 2008; BOSCH & LOUPPE 2008; TAKAWIRA-NYENYA 2005); CV-Coefficient of variation.

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The basic density decreased from 461.2 kgm3 (bottom) to 460.4 kgm3 (middle) and 447.7 kgm3 (top). Metil density axial trend might be partly caused by the prevalence of more compacted tissues at the bottom than upper levels. The variation of basic density, oven-dry and at 12 % MC showed similar trend in radial direction. The green density experienced nearly the same pattern as other densities differing only at the penultimate radial point, where it has dropped instead (Figure 2). Similar patterns (axial and radial) were reported for many hardwood species such as Populus euramericana Guinier (KORD 2010), Eucalyptus citriodora Hook (SHASHIKALA 2009), and Alstonia boonei De Wild. (ZZIWA et al. 2006). Opposite trend in radial variation was also reported for Petersianthus macrocarpus P. Beauv. (POKU et al. 2001). Green moisture content, shrinkage and swelling Solid wood items are subjected to dimensional changes due to its interaction with the surrounding air humidity in the hygroscopic range, i.e. MC less than fibre saturation point (FSP). The ability of certain timber species to retain better their nominal sizes under fluctuations of air humidity is generally designated as dimensional stability. This is usually termed as shrinkage and swelling and often quantified in percentage of dimensional changes. The green moisture content is mainly used to set drying schedules. In Table 2, the dimensional stability of metil is assessed by comparing the green moisture

content, shrinkage and swelling with some well known timbers from Mozambique.
1050

900

Density [kg/m3]

Green 12% MC Oven Dry Basic

750

600

450

300

Bottom

Middle

Top

Section of bole

Figure 1 Axial variation of metil density.

1200 1100

Density [kg/m3]

1000 900 800 700 600 500 400

10 30 50 70 90 110 130 150 170 190 210 230 250

Green 12% MC Oven Dry Basic

Distance from pith [mm]

Figure 2 Radial variation of metil density.

Table 2 Comparison of green moisture content, shrinkage and swelling of metil and other timbers. Properties Green moisture content (%) Radial (%) Tangential (%) Longitudinal (%) Volumetric (%) Coefficient of anisotropy Radial (%) Tangential (%) Longitudinal (%) Volumetric (%) Coefficient of anisotropy Shrinkage from green to oven-dry Shrinkage from green to 12 % MC Maximum swelling Radial (%) Tangential (%) Longitudinal (%) Volumetric (%) Radial (%) Tangential (%) Longitudinal (%) Volumetric (%) Metil Average 53.2 3.8 6.6 0.2 10.3 1.8 1.7 3.4 0.1 5.1 2.2 3.7 6.5 0.1 10.0 1.7 2.3 0.1 3.9 CV (%) 4.0 28.0 26 1.5 21 28 47 47 20 37 19 32 23 10 21 29 17 10 15 Umbila* 1.7 2.5 Metonha* 3.0 7.0 Chanfutaa 30 3.0 4.4

1.5 1.0 1.6

2.3

1.5

1.6

1.7

Source: * (BOSCH & LOUPPE 2008; TAKAWIRA-NYENYA 2005); a (CIRAD 2009); CV-Coefficient of variation

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Swelling from ovendry to 12 % MC

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Umbila and chanfuta (Afzelia quanzensis Welw) are the most used timber species in Mozambique for manufacturing window frames and doors because they posses high dimensional stability. From green MC to oven-dry, metil shrinkage is comparable with chanfuta. Therefore, if impregnated with wood preservatives, metil timber can fairly cope in outdoor applications as it will reduce both the potential swelling and its known vulnerability to perish (BOSCH & LOUPPE 2008). Axial and radial variation of metil green moisture Along the trees height, the green moisture is evenly distributed, with slight decrease at the top (Figure 3). ANOVA tests (95 % CI) have shown no significant differences on average green moisture amongst the considered height levels. In radial direction, the green moisture content profile appeared stable along the log radius, but with an abrupt drop near the bark (Figure 4). Such moisture distribution might have been caused by water evaporation of the outer samples since the trees barks were peeling off. Probably, metil tall and wide multiseriate rays (UETIMANE et al. 2009) enabled air penetration in the outer samples near the bark.
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Axial and radial variation of metil shrinkage It seems that metil shrinkage follows the density profile along the tree height, i.e. the denser bottom sections shrunk more than the upper sections of middle and top along the bole height (Figure 5). In radial direction, the outer samples shrunk less in comparison with both inner and middle section samples along the log radius (Figure 6). As discussed earlier, the outer samples green dimensions were already within the hygroscopic range which led to relatively small dimensional changes in comparison with inner samples that were closer or above the FSP.
Radial Tang. Volum.

12 10

12 10 8 6 4 2 0

Shrinkage [% ]

8 6 4 2 0

Bottom

Middle

Top

Section of bole

Figure 5 Axial variation of metil shrinkage.

Moisture content [% ]

55
18 16

50
Shrinkage [% ]

14 12 10 8 6 4

Radial Tang. Volum.

45

40

Bottom

Middle

Top

Section of bole

2 0 10 30 50 70 90 110 130 150 170 190 210 230 250

Figure 3 Axial variation of metil green MC.

60 60

Distance from pith [mm]

Figure 6 Radial variation of metil shrinkage

55

55

50

50

45

45

40

10

30

50

70

90 110 130 150 170 190 210 230 250

40

Distance from pith [mm]

Mechanical properties Along with other materials, wood has invariably been used in structural applications for centuries. However, successfully performance precedes standardized and elaborated strength assessment methods. In Mozambique, metonha is mainly used as roof beams; the same is valid for chanfuta but to a lower extent. Thus, the tested mechanical properties of metil are compared with metonha and chanfuta to examine its potential for similar end use applications (Table 3).

Moisture content [% ]

Figure 4 Radial variation of metil green MC.

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Table 3 Comparison of mechanical properties of metil and other timber species. Mechanical properties MOE (Nmm2) MOR (Nmm2) Compression paral. (Nmm ) Compression perp. (Nmm2) Impact bending (Kjmm ) Tensile (Nmm2) Hard parallel Hard perpendicular
2 2

Metil Average 5800 54 26.02 7.345 43.06 42.97 4.5 1.7

b b

CV (%) 9.61 9.0 12.78 19.11 15.86 40.00 11.25 7.70

Metonha* 9500 71 40 44 5960

j

Chanfutaa,c 17020 124 74 79.2 7.2b

* BOSCH & LOUPPE 2008; a CIRAD 2009; c- BUNSTER 1995; CV-Coef. of variation; b-Brinnel; j-Janka hardness

In general, metil mechanical properties reveal inferiority in strength when compared with both metonha and chanfuta. Therefore, the prospects of metil timber in applications demanding strength do not seem favourable. Wood density is known to be positively associated with strength (BOWYER et al. 2003; BARNETT & JERONIMIDIS 2003). Metil has relatively low density in comparison with metonha and chanfuta; this might partly explain the observed low strength. In fact, metil anatomical structure revealed low proportion of fibres (22 %) which are responsible for wood strength (UETIMANE et al. 2009). Curiously, the MOR of metil is higher when compared to those of metonha and chanfuta, while the MOE is lower in metil. This suggests that metil is more resistant to static bending than metonha and chanfuta. CONCLUSIONS The study concluded that metil can be regarded as a medium light timber species averaging 550.6 kgm3 of density at 12 % MC, green moisture content of 53.2 % and a total volumetric shrinkage of 10.3 % from green to oven-dry. From green to 12 % MC, metil shrinks in average with 5.1 % of its volume. In terms of swelling, from oven-dry metil volume increased in average with a maximum of 10 % and swollen only 3.9 % to 12 % MC. With regard to variation, the density of metil decreased from bottom upwards along the trees heights, but fluctuated in radial direction reaching the peak at the middle of the logs radii. The distribution of green MC along the trees heights is nearly uniform. The radial green MC profile remained also almost unchanged, but dropped abruptly at the logs peripheries. The shrinkage of metil followed the variation pattern of density in both directions. The study also concluded that in general metil has comparable dimensional stability with other timbers from Mozambique. However, metil timber is perishable and the average mechanical properties such as MOE (6180 Nmm2), MOR (186 Nmm2) and IB
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(43 kJmm2) are relatively poor. Considering metil timber properties, the study proposes to use this species for plywood and packaging, but does not recommend end uses demanding strength. REFERENCES
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