Increase of the dynamic module due to the densified effect in eight Mexican woods

Abstract

The objective of the research was to report the effects of densified by mechanical compression in woods of Cedrela odorata, Cupressus lindleyi, Swietenia macrophylla, Dalbergia paloescrito, Tabebuia donnell-smithii, Fraxinus uhdei, Fagus mexicana and Guazuma ulmifolia. The response variables were density and dynamic module, which was determined with transverse vibrations. Both parameters were measured before and after the treatment. The densified coefficient was, on average, 30 % and similar between species. Both densities and dynamic modules increased as a result of densification. This technological gain is particular to each species. Although the results are restricted to densified species in this research, they suggest an improvement in these physical-mechanical characteristics that are important for the design and calculation of wood products and structures. To improve the treatment, studies on changes in wood anatomy and physical properties are recommended.

Keywords: Wood density, densification coefficient, technological gain, Mexico.