Investigating the Anatomical and Physical-Mechanical Properties of the 8-Year-Old Superior Teakwood Planted in Muna Island, Indonesia

• Published in: 목재공학 Vol. 48; no. 5; pp. 618 - 630
• Main Authors: SAVERO, Alvin Muhammad, WAHYUDI, Imam, RAHAYU, Istie Sekartining, YUNIANTI, Andi Detti, ISHIGURI, Futoshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 한국목재공학회 30.09.2020
• Subjects: anatomical characteristics; mechanical properties; Muna Island; physical properties; superior-grown teak; superior-grown teak; physical properties; anatomical characteristics; mechanical properties; Muna Island
• ISSN: 1017-0715
• DOI: 10.5658/WOOD.2020.48.5.618

Muna teakwood, especially from old stands, has been popular as raw material for timber industries in Indonesia for the past ten decades. Due to the scarcity of this wood, superior-grown seedlings of Muna teakwood have been developed and widely planted. Since there is no information on its characteristics, therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate wood characteristics of the 8-year-old superior-grown teak from Muna Island to ensure their proper utilization as raw material for wooden furniture. Wood discs and boards from basal area of three different trees were used as the samples. Macroscopic and microscopic anatomical characteristics were observed following the IAWA's list, while their physicalmechanical properties were measured following British Standard 373-57. Results showed that anatomical characteristics of this wood sample are similar to regular teakwood, but its heartwood portion is higher. Differences among trees are found in regards to wood texture, growth ring width, as well as early and latewood portion. The green moisture content was lower than that of fast-growing teak of a similar age. The wood is more stable than the old teakwood, but its specific gravity is lower. In general, mechanical properties of this wood were higher than those of the regular fast-growing teakwood, but lower than the old one. Based on its specific gravity, this superior Muna teakwood was categorized as a Strength Class of III. The wood is suitable enough for wooden furniture manufacturing.