Physico-mechanical properties of plantation-grown canes
Professorial Chair Lecture
The UP Association of Washington Chair in the Natural Sciences
Date
12-16-2004
Abstract
The physical and mechanical properties of plantation-grown canes of Palasan (Calamus merrillii Becc.) canes were determined and compared to the properties of canes growing naturally in the wild. The effect of cane age on these 2 properties was also discussed.
Green density and ovendried specific gravity showed a steady decrease from base to top in both peripheral and central region, while volumetric shrinkage did not show any distinct trend at all. MOR of the samples tend to decrease from base to top similar to its MOE. Both MOR and MOE showed comparable values to that of the control. This means that both the physical and mechanical characteristics of plantation-grown canes are more or less similar to the properties of canes grown in natural forest.
Average green density, ovendried specific gravity and volumetric shrinkage did not show any significant correlation with age regardless of its position along its length. Only the top and middle portions of the cane where the MOR was slightly affected by cane age. MOE, on the other hand, did not show any relationship with age regardless of its position along the length of the cane. This implies that both the physical and mechanical properties of plantation grown cane is unaffected by it age. Unable to undergo secondary growth, rattan canes produce an overbuilt stem that could support future load requirement. Thus, a young cane can already support loads of a mature one. For these reason the physical and mechanical properties of the cane are more or less the same regardless of their age.
Therefore, plantation-grown canes are not at all inferior in qualities to canes growing naturally in the wild. These canes can be used by the rattan industries without sacrificing the quality of the finished products.
Location
UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)
College
College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR)
Language
English
Recommended citation
Abasolo, Willie P., "Physico-mechanical properties of plantation-grown canes" (2004). Professorial Chair Lecture. 173.
https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/professorial_lectures/173