Assumed, Wood Working Properties & Specifications

Brachylaena hutchinsii

Muhuhu

Family: Compositae

Other Common Names: Muhugwe, Mkarambaki, Ol Magogo (Tanzania).

Distribution: Common in the dry coastal forests of Tanzania and Kenya, also recorded in Uganda.

The Tree: Commonly 30 to 60 ft in height; bole twisted and fluted to 20 ft; trunk diameter 1 1/2 to 2 ft; stem often hollow.

The Wood:
General Characteristics: Heartwood bright yellow brown when freshly sawn, becoming yellowish or greenish brown on drying; sapwood grayish white, distinct. Texture fine and even; grain straight, closely interlocked, or wavy; with an aromatic spicy scent.

Weight: Basic specific gravity (ovendry weight/green volume) 0.75; air-dry density about 58 pcf.

Mechanical Properties: (2-cm standard)
Moisture content Bending strength Modulus of elasticity Maximum crushing strength
(%) (Psi) (1,000 psi) (Psi)
Green (40) 13,300 1,250 7,770
12% 16,200 1,460 10,200
Janka side hardness 1,880 lb for green material and 2,190 lb for dry.

Drying and Shrinkage: Seasons rapidly with a tendency to checking but no warping, thick stock dries slowly with severe checking. Kiln schedule T2-C2 is suggested for 4/4 stock and T2-C1 for 8/4. Shrinkage green to 12% moisture content: radial 2.0%; tangential 3.0%. Movement in service is rated as small.

Working Properties: Because of irregular grain and high density the timber is difficult to work, moderate blunting of cutters, tools tend to collect gum, shapes and turns well, difficult to glue, takes a high polish.

Durability: Heartwood is rated as very durable, and with good resistance to termites and marine borers.

Preservation: Extremely resistant to impregnation.

Uses: High quality flooring, carving, turnery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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