• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.55-64
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• 2023

Properties of a lesser-used wood species were investigated to determine its potential for structural utilization. Trees of Delonix regia were felled and sampled at the base, middle and top and then sectioned to inner wood, middle wood, and outer wood for variation across the axial and radial directions. Hence, selected physical and mechanical properties as well as natural durability of D. regia along the radial and axial directions were examined. Obtained data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at α_0.05. There was no significant difference in the Moisture content (MC) of the wood but specific gravity (SG) decreased from base to top ranging from 0.35-0.44. Water absorption, volumetric swelling, and volumetric shrinkage range from 46.18-51.86%, 2.57-4.02%, and 2.26-3.96% respectively along the axial plane. The weight loss for graveyard exposure and accelerated laboratory decay test ranged from 25.14-48.00% and 32.02-44.45% respectively. Modulus of Rupture and Modulus of Elasticity values range from 29.42-72.68 Nmm² and 3,834.54-8,830.37 Nmm² respectively. The SG values has confirmed the species as a medium density wood and values of other properties tested showed that the wood is dimensional stable and moderately resistance to fungi and termite. Hence, it could be used for light construction purposes such as furniture and other interior woodwork.