Biological, physical and mechanical wood properties of paraZapotitlánso (Melia azedarach) from a roadside planting at Huaxtla, Jalisco, Mexico

The present study was undertaken with the objective of evaluating the wood quality of 11-year-old paraZapotitlánso (Melia azedarach) trees from a roadside planting near Huaxtla, Jalisco, Mexico. The biological, physical and mechanical properties studied include density, dimensional stability, strength (bending, compression, tension, shear, impact) and natural durability. The medium density (0.56-0.68-0.76 g/cm3 at 12% moisture content) wood is similar in strength to true mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and is of moderate dimensional stability. Its attractive appearance (colour, figure) resembles that of cedro (Cedrela spp.) and suren (Toona spp.). Heartwood resistance against white rot and brown rot fungi is on average moderate, but quite variable. Based on the property profile established by the present study paraZapotitlánso wood from trees planted in Mexico appears suitable for the manufacture of decorative veneers sliced and peeled, furniture parts, plywood, glue board, laminates, panelling, window and door framing, general carpentry, and light construction under cover

Effect of resveratrol administration on metabolic syndrome, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion

Composite boards of sugar cane bagasse particles and recycled high-density polyethylene were manufactured by means of a flat press process under laboratory conditions using a partial factorial experimental design (2K-1) to determine the effects of the process variables press temperature, pressing time, bagasse/plastic content and pressure on bending properties, water absorption and thickness swelling. The sugar cane bagasse particles varied in size from 2 to 15 mm, the plastic particles from 1 to 3 mm. Nominal board dimensions and density were 300 mm 300 mm 5 mm and 0.75 g/cm3, respectively. The following process conditions were implemented: press temperature 140 and 160 °C, pressing time 6 and 12 min, bagasse/plastic content 40/60% and 60/40%, and pressure 3 and 6 MPa. Bending strength (MOR) and bending modulus of elasticity (MOE) increased proportionally with press temperature and pressing time. An increase of the bagasse content had a positive effect only on bending MOE. An increase in pressure had a negative effect on both bending strength and MOE. Water absorption and thickness swelling were reduced significantly by an increase in temperature and pressing time, whereas variation of pressure did not have any influence on these board properties. " 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.",,,,,,"10.1016/j.indcrop.2006.12.014",,,"http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12104/40992","http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-34247141926&partnerID=40&md5=4467a5902271d8a93dc6cd53adcf1629",,,,,,"1",,"Industrial Crops and Products",,"

Effect of production variables on bending properties, water absorption and thickness swelling of bagasse/plastic composite boards

Composite boards of sugar cane bagasse particles and recycled high-density polyethylene were manufactured by means of a flat press process under laboratory conditions using a partial factorial experimental design (2K-1) to determine the effects of the process variables press temperature, pressing time, bagasse/plastic content and pressure on bending properties, water absorption and thickness swelling. The sugar cane bagasse particles varied in size from 2 to 15 mm, the plastic particles from 1 to 3 mm. Nominal board dimensions and density were 300 mm × 300 mm × 5 mm and 0.75 g/cm3, respectively. The following process conditions were implemented: press temperature 140 and 160 °C, pressing time 6 and 12 min, bagasse/plastic content 40/60% and 60/40%, and pressure 3 and 6 MPa. Bending strength (MOR) and bending modulus of elasticity (MOE) increased proportionally with press temperature and pressing time. An increase of the bagasse content had a positive effect only on bending MOE. An increase in pressure had a negative effect on both bending strength and MOE. Water absorption and thickness swelling were reduced significantly by an increase in temperature and pressing time, whereas variation of pressure did not have any influence on these board properties. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Natural decay resistance of Eysenhardtia polystachya (Ortega) Sarg.

In its area of distribution, the heartwood of Eysenhardtia polystachya (palo dulce) is empirically known to be very durable. To verify the reputed high natural durability, its resistance to wood degrading fungi was tested by means of the soil block and agar block tests using two white rot (Trametes versicolor and Phanerochaete chrysosporium) and two brown rot (Postia placenta and Gloeophyllum trabeum) fungi. Recorded mass losses for the soil block test (between 1�3 and 3�8%) were significantly lower than for the agar block test (between 7 and 10%). The higher mass loss in the agar block test is believed to be partly due to migration of extractives out of the blocks and not due to loss in mass as a result of fungal decay. According to the numerical values of mass loss recorded for the two test series, E. polystachya heartwood is rated 'highly resistant' (class 1 according to ASTM D 2017-05 - soil block test) and 'durable' (class 2 according to EN 350-1 - agar block test). � 2011 IWSc, the Wood Technology Society of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining