The Use of SEM/EDX Analysis to Investigate the Pore Effect on the Mechanical Properties of some Selected Tropical Hardwoods

Abstract:

Previous studies have investigated the effect of moisture content on the physical and mechanical properties of timber species. This study investigated the effect of the tube-like grain pores in the wood and the presence of elemental impurities on the failure mechanism of four tropical hardwoods. The four hardwood species are Mahogany, Albizia, Beech and Birch. The moisture content of each wood specie was determined at normal temperature, mechanical tests were conducted to determine the strength of each wood samples, while the Scanning Electron Microscopy/ Energy Dispersion X-ray (SEM/EDX ) analysis was carried out to determine the high-resolution images and elemental peaks of the wood specie. The work concluded that beech wood failed earlier when compared to the other three samples due to high moisture content that is above the fibre saturation point. The SEM/EDX test revealed that the early failure was also as a result of the presence of large pores and elemental impurities in the sample of Beech wood.

• Periodical: International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa (Volume 56)
• Pages: 64-76
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/JERA.56.64
• Online since: October 2021
• Authors: Joseph Olawale Akinyele*, Abidemi Bashiru Folorunsho
• Keywords: Albizia, Beech, Birch, Grain Pores, Mahogany

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