Effect of Growth Ring Width and Latewood Content on Selected Physical and Mechanical Properties of Plantation Japanese Larch Wood

Abstract

In order to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of plantation Japanese larch wood, various physical and mechanical indicators were measured with reference to Chinese national standards. The characteristics of the growth ring on the end face of wood samples were captured, with the mean latewood percentage being 21.4% and the mean ring width being 3.24 mm. Relationships between growth ring characteristics, latewood percentages, and the physical and mechanical properties of the plantation Japanese larch wood were investigated. The results revealed that it is most appropriate to use growth ring width to evaluate MOE and MOR, and to use latewood percentage to evaluate air-dry density, radial air-dry shrinkage, IBS and UTS. Regression analysis confirmed that air-dry density (R2 = 0.99), radial shrinkage (R2 = 0.97) and UTS (R2 = 0.96) had significant positive correlations with latewood percentage, while MOE (R2 = 0.88) and MOR (R2 = 0.90) had significant negative correlations with RW. IBS was not significantly related to either characteristic. RW can be used to define juvenile wood and mature wood, with the dividing ring width being 4.85 mm. There is a large difference in MOE and MOR between the two wood types.

Effects of Growth Ring Width, Height from Tree Base, and Loading Direction on Transverse Compression of Plantation Japanese Larch Wood

“…Figure 5a shows the relationship between latewood rate an growth ring width. The latewood rate in our case decreased as growth ring width in creased, as also observed by Wang Sidong [27]. The transverse compressive strength wa fitted with the growth ring width and the latewood rate.…”

“…The growth ring width can be used to evaluate the physic and mechanical properties of wood [19][20][21][22][23][24]. Some studies have shown a negative correl tion between the modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of woo which can be used to predict bending performance [25][26][27]. Different positions even o the same log can also have very different physical properties [28][29][30].…”

Comparative Studies on Tensile Mechanical Properties of Water-Saturated Earlywood and Latewood within the Same Growth Ring from Masson Pine

“…Conifers consist mainly of axial tracheids, serving for support and for transport of water and dissolved minerals. Their anatomical structure, chemical composition, and the spatial arrangement of polymers in the wood cell walls determine the mechanical properties [3][4][5]. Conifers contain two main types of tracheids: earlywood (EW) tracheids, which have thin cell walls and large cell cavities, and latewood (LW) tracheids, which have thick cell walls and small cell cavities.…”