A study of some physical and mechanical properties of the wood of Pterygota Macrocarpa K. Schum (Pterygota, Kyere)

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1993-09-11
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Abstract
A quantity of 1755 small clear specimens and 52 structural size specimens of Pterygota nacrocarpa K. Schum (Pteryqota, Kyere) were investigated in bending, compression, tension and shear. Effects of slope of wood grain, width and slope of growth increments as well as effects of wood defects such as knots, ingrowths and split on strength properties and density were also studied. Within the limits of the results of the study, there is an indication that the average normal density and compressive and tensile strengths of Pteryqota are higher than that of Milicia excelsa (Odum) and that generally the species has higher density and strength properties than some European timber species like Spruce and Oregon pine being used for structural purposes. The results of the study seem to indicate that the wood of Pterygota may fit into the hardwoods structural strength classes SC5 and SC6 of BS 5756 (1980) and therefore may be suitable for structural application if the wood can be treated against agents of biodeterioration. The limited data has also indicated that slope of grain, knots, ingrowths and split reduce strength of wood. Width or growth increments have also been shown to have a negative correlation with density just as slope of growth increments.
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A thesis submitted to Department of Wood Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master Of Philosophy,1993.
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