Physical and mechanical properties of nine years old kelempayan / Hazman Raziq Salikin

Kelempayan or its scientific name Neolamarckia cadamba is a species that grows
in South and Southeast Asia. Kelempayan is categorized under light hardwood
category and has light with creamy yellow colour in Malaysia. Kelempayan is
also put under strength group D. Nine years old kelempayan has been harvested
from forest plantation in Mantin, Negeri Sembi Ian. The timbers are labeled into
four portions from bottom (at diameter breast height) to top namely a, b, c and d.
Each portion was cut into four directions which are west, east, south and north.
Both physical and mechanical test was carried out by using samples from every
portion in all direction and at both air dried and oven dried condition. The result
of the study has proven that timber at bottom portion is more superior in terms of
physical and mechanical properties. Furthermore, oven dried kelempayan has
greater mechanical properties than air dried kelempayan. Although the difference
between portions at first (a) portion to the second (b) portion or third (c) portion
might not be significant but there is significant difference between the first (a)
portion and the last (d) portion. Based on the study conducted, nine years old
kelempayan is suitable to be used as substitute raw materials for furniture
components. However, it is recommended that more study with broader scope
should be conducted on nine years old kelempayan.