The Suitability of Allanblackia Parviflora wood for Furniture Production in Ghana

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Date
2014
Authors
Kwaku, Antwi
Kwasi, Mensah Frimpong
Darkwa, Nicholas Albert
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Publisher
Scholars Research Library
Abstract
The strength and some physical properties of Allanblackia parviflora trees were determined to predict the suitability of the species for furniture production. Three Allanblackia parviflora trees of medium density lesser-used species (LUS) were used for the study. The main statistical tools used were descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mechanical strength test specimens were prepared and tested in accordance with the British Standard BS 373: 1957. Mean green moisture content was 81.19%. Mean basic density was 539.00kg/m3 . The range of mean strength values in N/mm2 in the ‘green’ and dry (12 % mc) conditions for the three wood species were as follows: - Modulus of Rupture: 50.00 - 56.00 (85.00 - 94.00), Modulus of Elasticity: 6,387.00-6,951.00 (8,287.00 - 8,875.00), compression parallel to grain: 24.00-28.00 (13.00-14.00) and shear parallel to grain 6.83-7.74 (9.62- 10.82). Mean ratios of dry to ‘green’ MOR and MOE were 1.68 and 1.28.Almost all strength tests conducted shows a consistent trend that, the heartwood portion of each division was slightly stronger in terms of resistance to failure than its corresponding sapwood portion. Comparing the strength of Allanblackia parviflora to an existing classification (grade), strength is ‘medium’ in Allanblackia parviflora tree wood. It compared favourably with known species such as Aningeria altissima, Terminaria ivorensis, and Antiaris toxicaria in several properties and strength which are suitable for furniture production.
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Citation
Antwi, K., Kwasi, F. M., & Albert, D. N. (2014). The Suitability of Allanblackia Parviflora wood for Furniture Production in Ghana. Annals of Biological Research, 5(6), 70-79.