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The physical and mechanical properties of branch wood from falcata [Falcataria molucanna (Miq.) Barneby & J.W. Grimes] grown in Caraga Region, Philippines were determined to assess suitability for end-uses such as core veneer and as material for light construction and handles and boxes as the stem wood. Tests done to compare the properties with the stem wood showed significant differences in relative density (average values of 0.284 for the stem wood and 0.255 for the branch wood) and shrinkage properties in all directions. Axial position significantly influenced variation in moisture content (p = 0.0024) for stem and branch wood, as well as relative density (p = < 0.0001) plus percent tangential (p = < 0.0001) and radial (p = 0.0014) shrinkage. For the mechanical properties, the stem wood end hardness was significantly higher by 28.8% at green condition (p = 0.0003) and by 13.36% at 12% MC (p = 0.0133) than the branch wood. The compression perpendicular to the grain at 12% MC of the stem wood was also higher by 16.10% (p = 0.0166). However, for the other mechanical properties studied, the differences were not significant. The bottom portion of the stem and branch wood exhibited the highest mechanical properties, which can be attributed to the higher relative density at this portion (p = 0.0001). Based on the results that showed insignificant differences in most of the properties between the wood types of F. moluccana, the branch wood can possibly be used for similar applications as the stem wood such as for light construction, non-structural veneer, and plywood; for tool handles, boxes, and other household items; and for pulp and paper. The utilization of the branch wood of F. moluccana, therefore, can augment the raw materials supply for the local wood industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to determine the physical and mechanical properties of 12 species of climbing bamboo collected from Luzon, Island Philippines, viz. bolo [Cyrtochloa fenixii (Gamble) S. Dransf], baitu (Cyrtochloa hirsuta S. Dransf. comb. nov.), luzon bikal [Cyrtochloa luzonica (Gamble) S. Dransf], bikal baboy [Cyrtochloa major (Pilg.) S. Dransf. comb. nov.], puser [Cyrtochloa puser (Gamble) S. Dransf. comb. nov.], bukawe [Crytochloa toppingii (Gamble) Dransf.], bikal [Dinochloa acutiflora (Munro) S. Dransf. comb. nov.], tagisi (Dinochloa dielsiana Pilger), elmer bikal (Dinochloa elmeri Gamble), baguisan (Dinochloa pubiramea Gamble), bagtok (Cephalostachyum mindorense Gamble), and yaho (Cephalostachyum mindorense Gamble). The physical and mechanical characteristics were determined using the ASTM D143. For physical properties, luzon bikal, bukawe, bagtok, and baitu showed the lowest green MC (64.26, 91.96, 93.40, and 94.25%, respectively) but gave the highest relative density (0.777, 0.603, 0.630, and 0.619, respectively). Baguisan, on the other hand, showed the highest tangential (11.99%), radial (14.28%), and volumetric shrinkage (24.24%). For longitudinal shrinkage, yaho (0.91%) gave the highest value. From the bottom to the top portion, a decrease in MC and an increase in RD were observed. For the shrinkage properties, various trends along the height levels of the bamboo were observed. Various trends in mechanical properties at green condition, highest fiber stress at elastic limit (FSEL), modulus of rupture (MOR), and modulus of elasticity (MOE) were observed on luzon bikal (46.48 MPa, 70.07 MPa, and 11.50 GPa, respectively) and bagtok (40.69 MPa, 79.05 MPa, and 11.36 GPa, respectively). Similarly, these species showed the highest compression parallel-to-grain with node (56.11 and 42.66 MPa, respectively) and without node (58.52 and 44.60 MPa). On the other hand, the highest shear strength with and without node was observed in bagtok (13.22 and 8.68 MPa, respectively) and baitu (10.16 MPa and 7.53 MPa, respectively). The significant differences among species might be due to differences in relative density and height levels. Based on the DOST-FPRDI strength classification, baitu, luzon bikal, bikal baboy, bagtok, yaho, puser, and bukawe are suited to applications where the large diameter is not required such as construction, high-grade furniture, and flooring where both strength and durability are required. Bolo, tagisi, and elmer bikal, on the other hand, are suitable for high-grade furniture, paneling, automobile bodies, and musical instruments, whereas bikal and baguisan are suited for pulp and paper and low-grade furniture. The improved utilization of climbing bamboos can give bamboo growers a wider range of options for plantation establishment and bamboo product manufacturers more choices for their raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possible utilization of Bagalunga (Melia azedarach L.) was determined based on its physical and mechanical properties. Tests were done following the ASTM D143-2019 standard. Tree samples were collected from two municipalities of Quezon province, the Philippines-namely Sariaya and Unisan. The results showed that compared to the trees from Sariaya, the trees collected from Unisan had 13.48 and 14.24% higher green moisture content (MC) and basic relative density (RD), respectively. However, their tangential (TS), radial (RS), longitudinal (LS), and volumetric shrinkage (VS) were 12.21, 4.42, 28.94, and 7.83% lower than those of the former. Furthermore, the RD of M. azedarach was similar to that of Gmelina arborea, and Acacia mangium and higher than that of Falcataria falcata. As for VS, it was comparable and in some cases even higher than those of commercially used timber species with medium to low VS. For the strength properties, in both green and 12% MC conditions, the strength of trees from Unisan was significantly higher than trees from Sariaya. However, both remained within the medium strength classification-similar to Swietenia macrophylla, G. arborea, and A. mangium but higher than Eucalyptus deglupta, Hevea brasiliensis, and F. falcata. The significant effect of axial height was observed in MC, RD, LS, and VS, and minimal variation was found in the mechanical properties. Industrial tree plantation developers may consider using M. azedarach as an alternative species, with careful consideration of the axial height and location, as these factors can influence tree properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]