DefinePK

Abstract

ABSTRACT Anatomical, physical and mechanical properties of 3 species of (Paulownia fortunei, P. elongate and P. tomentosa) wood grown at Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar were studied under standard laboratory procedures. In all the studied species, vessels were found larger in size, the fibres were thin walled and wide lumened and frequency and size of wood rays was somewhat higher. The wood of all the three species could behave better in seasoning and preservation, chemical treatment may be necessary to enhance the durability of wood and can be used for pulp and paper due to favourable fiber morphological characteristics. On the basis of physical and mechanical properties, the wood is suitable for various purposes where high strength is not required. It has favorable relation between tangential and radial shrinkage and is suitable for framework where the stability is of high importance. The wood can also be used for making various kinds of boxes, cases, cupboards, tablets, crates, handicrafts, rural house construction, posts and poles etc.