The Relationships between Fiber Parameters and Mechanical Properties of Timber Species
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2026-1-190-200Keywords:
density, fiber properties, mechanical test, timberAbstract
This study investigates the variations in mechanical properties and fiber parameters, along with wood densities, of 7 timber species commonly used in Sri Lanka’s furniture industry as a promising one. Key parameters measured include wood density, compressive strength (both parallel and perpendicular to grain), and static bending properties, following the standards outlined in BS 373:1957. Mechanical tests have been conducted using a universal testing machine (UTM-100PC), while fiber paramters have been analyzed via a modified Franklin’s method. The results indicate no significant correlations between fiber parameters (fiber length, diameter, and wall thickness) and mechanical properties such as compression and bending strengths, including modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity. However, the fiber parameters have exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing wood density. Notably, timber species with higher density and elevated Runkel ratios have demonstrated greater strength values, suggesting the influence of fiber wall thickness relative to pore size on mechanical performance. The findings obtained imply that wood density and fiber structural ratios play a more critical role in determining strength than isolated fiber dimensions. The study contributes to a better understanding of the physical and mechanical behavior of local timber species and provides valuable data for optimizing timber selection and processing in Sri Lanka’s furniture manufacturing sector.
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