Analysis of the wood properties of Dicorynia guianensis Amsh. in the context of using in outdoor architecture

Analysis of the wood properties of Dicorynia guianensis Amsh. in the context of using in outdoor architecture. This article deals with the analysis angélique wood (Dicorynia guianensis Amsh.) properties to verify suitability for use in the arrangement of external architecture such as the construction of terraces. Particularly, tests included determination of hardness by the Brinell method and total and partial shrinkage. The presented characteristic of properties was complemented by the analysis of wood colour stability during exposition to natural weathering factors for six months. Changes of particular colour parameters (lightness L*, chroma C*, hue h) were determine as well as the total colour change ΔE*. The colour stability was examined on untreated wood surface as well as on wood finished with clear and colouring oils. It was found that the angélique wood belongs to the group of very heavy wood (specific gravity 807 kg/m3) and is characterized by the favourable technical parameters, primarily the high hardness (average hardness 45,64 MPa). Furthermore, the angélique wood is the wood of average shrinkage (average total shrinkage 14,37%). Dimensional stability does not differ from the properties of wood commonly and successfully used for wooden external construction. The results showed that during external exposition angélique wood became darker. Using wood surface protection preparations such as oils resulted in the slowing down the weathering processes effects.