Authors :
Issah Chakurah; Dr. Francis Kofi Bih; Dr. Kwaku Antwi
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 9 - September
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/cdvfekxh
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8351692
Abstract :
The continued increase in human population
and demand for wood for different structural
applications has prompted intensive research into the
suitability of various types of timber species that will be
suitable for various utilization. For the appropriate use
of wood for engineering purposes, its properties must be
established for use. This study evaluated the durability
properties of neem (Azadirachta indica) wood. Samples
for this study were harvested from the natural forest at
the Du-West / Peplime community of the Upper West
region of Ghana. Specimens were extracted from the logs
using quarter sawing. The natural resistance of neem
wood was carried out using samples along (Axially) and
across (Radially) the bole of the tree. Prepared
specimens were oven-dried, weighed until there was no
variation in weight of two successive weighs, and then
subjected to a field termite exposure test for a period of
six months, after which, they were exhumed and cleaned,
dried, and re-weighed. The result of this study showed
that the weight loss assessment of the heartwood was
lower while that of the sapwood of all the trees under
study was higher. However, One-way ANOVA
conducted between the heartwood and sapwood showed
no significant variation even though the sapwood
recorded a higher mass loss than the sapwood.
The continued increase in human population
and demand for wood for different structural
applications has prompted intensive research into the
suitability of various types of timber species that will be
suitable for various utilization. For the appropriate use
of wood for engineering purposes, its properties must be
established for use. This study evaluated the durability
properties of neem (Azadirachta indica) wood. Samples
for this study were harvested from the natural forest at
the Du-West / Peplime community of the Upper West
region of Ghana. Specimens were extracted from the logs
using quarter sawing. The natural resistance of neem
wood was carried out using samples along (Axially) and
across (Radially) the bole of the tree. Prepared
specimens were oven-dried, weighed until there was no
variation in weight of two successive weighs, and then
subjected to a field termite exposure test for a period of
six months, after which, they were exhumed and cleaned,
dried, and re-weighed. The result of this study showed
that the weight loss assessment of the heartwood was
lower while that of the sapwood of all the trees under
study was higher. However, One-way ANOVA
conducted between the heartwood and sapwood showed
no significant variation even though the sapwood
recorded a higher mass loss than the sapwood.
