Asian Basic and Applied Research Journal

We studied the physical properties of some commercially available wood in Nigeria. The wood samples include Gmelina, Mahogany (Khayalvorensis), Black Oak, Iroko (Melicea Excels), Afara, Bamboo (Bambusoideae), Achi, Bitterkola, Ubia and Mba. The wood sample were initially machined and trimmed to about in width and about  thickness. The wood samples were then soaked in water in an air-tight container for four weeks (these were taken as the wet wood sample). The weights of the wood samples were determined with a digital weighing balance; the lengths were measured with a meter rule. The width and the thickness were measured using a Vernier caliper and micrometer screw gauge respectively. The wood sample were then subjected to a simple cantilever test to determine their Young Modulus which is a measure of the stiffness of the wood. The wood sample were then dried in open air (but not directly under the sun) for eight weeks (these were taken as the dry wood sample) and the experiment repeated. The results of the test showed that stiffness of a wood depends on its specie and hence different wood species have different stiffness characteristics. Iroko wood have the highest Young Modulus when dried while Melina wood is stronger when wet than when dry. The result obtained in this study has provided qualitative/quantitative information on the physical properties of these selected wood species which can be used in determining their applications for either building, construction or for any other purposes such as the in the making of furniture.