Improving the hardness of Endospermum medullosum (Vanuatu whitewood)

ABSTRACT Having almost exhausted its native forest wood supply, Vanuatu has sought to rebuild by establishing forest plantations. Whitewood (Endopsermum medulosum) has been identified as a native hardwood suitable as a plantation species: it has good growth, is resistant to high winds and produces finegrained white timber. However, whitewood has low wood density and comparatively poor mechanical properties. In particular, the soft timber does not perform well where good hardness is required, such as in flooring. Several wood modification techniques were tested with the primary aim of improving whitewood hardness. The methods tested were selected as simple treatments with low environmental impact and which, consequently, may be implemented safely in Vanuatu. Of the treatments tested, impregnation with methyl methacrylate polymer provided the greatest increase in hardness. Values commensurate with use as flooring were obtained (about 6000 N) that were three times greater than untreated controls. With treatment using methyl methacrylate bulking, the hardness of whitewood can be improved, expanding utilisation opportunities to include markets for flooring timbers, domestically and internationally. This, in turn, will improve investment security in whitewood production and the living standards of small rural landholders.