Anatomical and Physico-Mechanical Properties of Ficus exasperata Vahl Wood

Abstract

Most of the commercial timber in Ghana are getting extinct thereby posing a big challenge to the timber industry. There is therefore the need to determine the properties of some of the lesser-used and lesser-known timber species available in the Ghanaian forest for utilization. This study was carried out at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Forestry Research Institute of Ghana campus to evaluate the suitability of some anatomical, physical, and mechanical properties of timber obtained from Ficus exasperata trees and its utilization potential in the timber industry. Two trees were extracted and the logs from them were processed into beams. Boards were prepared from these beams and test specimens were prepared for the determination of physical (density), anatomical (fibre measurement, number of vessels, vessel width, vessel diameter) and mechanical (bending, compression, shear, hardness) properties based on internationally acceptable standards. At an average moisture content of 12.16%, the result obtained indicate that the mean values for the properties tested increased from the butt to the top sections of the two trees. However, there was no significant variation in the mean values obtained for the static bending, compression parallel to the grain and shear properties of the middle and top sections of both trees, whereas these properties varied significantly at the butt section of both trees. Generally, the properties tested increased with age from the top to the butt. Thirty-one-year-old F. exasperata recorded an average density of 414.34 kg/m³ whereas the twenty-seven-year-old recorded 385.35 kg/m³. Among the age gradations, the thirty-one-year-old F. exasperata registered maximum values for the evaluated parameters, namely; anatomical, density, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, compression parallel to the grain, shear and hardness. The results of the study suggest that F. exasperata timber is a low-density wood and hence, can be used as substitute of Alstonia boonei and Hannoa klaineana which are also classified in the D30 strength class. Thus, suitable for the production of particleboards, mouldings, core veneer for plywood, boxes, crates, packing cases, pencil, food containers, light furniture industry and other fitments. Hence, it should be promoted in the timber industry.