Abstract:
Wood behave differently under different environment, the knowledge of the hygroscopic nature
of wood is a key factor when selecting wood for a particular. This study assessed the
hygroscopic behavior of Hevea brasiliensis wood. Void volume; Percentage volumetric swelling
in the tangential, radial and longitudinal direction; and percentage volumetric swelling were used
to assess the response of the selected wood when loosing moisture. Samples were obtained
longitudinally, transversely and dried in the oven at 103 +_ 2'C for laboratory experiment. The
mean values for moisture content in green Hevea brasiliensis wood were 49.74 %, 51.14 % and
54.36 % for top, middle and bottom portion respectively along the tree while 51.77 %, 50.02 %
and 53.45 % was recorded for outer, middle and inner portions respectively across the tree. The
values obtained for volumetric shrinkage and swelling were higher at the top part of H.
brasiliensis. It was also observed that the longitudinal shrinkage was negligible while tangential
direction showed the highest shrinkage among the wood direction. The result obtained showed
clarification on the wood density of hevea brasiliensis based on the position and portion of the
wood species and the variation in moisture content, void volume, volumetric shrinkage and
swelling were also revealed. This will provide information in the process of drying hevea
brasiliensis wood to ensure better wood quality devoid of defects. |
