Physical and mechanical properties of Ayous wood (Triplochiton scleroxylon) from Cameroon

Abstract

The present study deals with Ayous wood from the East Cameroon forest reserve in the locality of Abong-Mbang. The water absorption rate of Ayous wood and the absorption kinetics were evaluated. Ayous wood reached its absorption saturation around 28 days. The primary diffusion coefficient was found to be 1.51 x 10-11 m2/s with a standard deviation of 0.23x10-11 m2/s while the saturation absorption rate is 144% with a standard deviation of 16.3%. About the modeling of kinetic absorption, many models were tested, and (Sikame, 2014) was the best model for our experiments. In order to determine the mechanical properties, four point bending and compression test were done through the three orthotropic directions.  It is found that the modulus of elasticity value is 8792.75 MPa with a standard deviation of 527 MPa and the fracture stress (σl) value is 53.6 MPa with a standard deviation of 8 MPa. Longitudinal, radial and tangential compressive stress are 31.51 MPa, 29.15 MPa and 31.4 MPa respectively, with standard deviations of 4.34MPa, 4.52 MPa and 4.23 MPa.