| What is Rubberwood?
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| Rubber plantations
have existed for hundreds of years in tropical countries. These plantations
have been used mainly for the production of latex. After the economic life of
the rubber tree, which is generally 30 years, the latex yields become extremely
low and the planters then fell the rubber trees and plant new ones. This
eco-friendly Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) is an excellent timber to use and
its various attributes are outlined here: |
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| Appearance |
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| Colour
Pale cream to yellowish brown. Oxidative discolouration can be limited by rapid
production sequence and vacuum drying Grain pattern Mostly straight. A cross
section of Rubberwood shows few concentric markings reminiscent of growth
rings. These markings combined with the large vessels in structure give an
attractive appearance with clear patterns on the longitudinal surface. Many
characteristics of Rubberwood are similar to Ramin wood. Structure Uniform in
structure with an excellent 'Timber' feel. |
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| Physical Properties |
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| Green Density 800 kg/m³ Density at 12% m.c. 600-620 kg/m³ (light)
Relative Density 0.63-0.66 (moderately heavy timber) Volume Shrinkage
Negligible and comparable to Dark Red Meranti Tangential 1.4%, Radial 1%
Compression Strength (Parallel to Grain) (Perpendicular to Grain) 32 N/mm² 4.69
N/mm² Bending Strength (Modulus of Rupture) 66 N/mm² Sheer Parallel to Grain 11
N/mm² Modulus of Elasticity 9240 N/mm²
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Working Properties |
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| Durability Resistant to many fungal, bacterial and
mould attacks can also be made resistant to other specific susceptibilities.
Gluing Good and compatible with almost all industrial grade adhesives--its glue
bond strength is high. Machining Easy to saw, machine, plane, turn and bore.
The resultant surfaces are fairly smooth Nail holding Average of Radial
Tengential value Average of end values 91 kg 53 kg Screw holding Average of
Radial Tengential value Average of end values 267 kg 164 kg
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