Investigation of some technological properties of Anatolian boxwood (Buxus sempervirens L.) stem wood

Abstract

In this study, moisture content, density values, compression strength parallel to grain, color parameters and surface roughness values of Anatolian boxwood (Buxus sempervirens L.) stem wood, which has the hardest wood grown in Turkey, were determined. Research material was obtained from Trabzon. The stem wood was cut for the tests to be carried out and test samples were obtained and kept in the air-conditioning room until it became air-dry. The tests were carried out according to the relevant standards. When the boxwood wood was examined macroscopically, it was observed that the wood color varied between light yellow and dark yellow, there was no prominent heartwood and the annual rings were less obvious. When the obtained results are evaluated, it has been determined that Anatolian boxwood has diffuse-porous wood, the air-dry density value is 0.94 g/cm3 and it is in the “heavy woods” class, the compression strength parallel to grain is 70.64 N/mm2 and it is in the “the compression strength is great woods” class. According to the results of the surface roughness parameters, the radial surface of the boxwood is rougher than the tangential surface, and according to the results of the color parameters, it was determined that the tangential surface was lighter in color than the radial surface and both surfaces were in yellow hue. Anatolian boxwood, which has a hard wood for working, is widely used in the production of ornaments, tool handles, spoons, combs, backgammon stamps, rulers, musical instrument parts, carving, turnery and inlay. It is recommended to carry out the necessary studies for the planned production of boxwood trees, which are also evaluated as a non-wood forest product in the field of alternative medicine and as an ornamental plant in the landscape in the Turkish forestry sector.