Wood and Veneer Properties of Fast Growing Species from Batai, Eucalyptus and Kelampayan

Anatomical, physical, chemical and veneer properties of wood are important aspect that affect applicability of wood based product. This study is focused on three fast growing species of Batai (Paraserianthes falcataria), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus pellita) and Kelampayan (Neolamarckia cadamba). All trees were cut into three height portion (bottom, middle and top) and wood disc samples are taken for anatomical, physical and chemical determination from each part of height. Meanwhile veneer properties were determined for veneer sheet after peeling and drying process. Eucalyptus shows the highest number of vessel for 16 mm2 area and near pith has higher frequency of vessel occurrence than near bark. The highest specific gravity for Batai, Eucalyptus and Kelampayan were found in bottom portion, followed by middle and top portion. Percentages of moisture content for this tree species is increased going from bottom to top portion. Cold and hot water, alcohol toluene, ash content and lignin content were found to have significant differences for top, middle and bottom of tree portion. The highest of percentage of veneer shrinkage was shown by Kelampayan veneer. Meanwhile, Batai veneer exhibited the lowest contact angle. As the conclusion, species and tree portions were found to be significantly affected for the anatomical, physical and chemical properties. For veneer analysis, species were found to affect veneer parameters. The results are of importance in order to optimize the production of plywood from fast growing species in Malaysia.