Study on wood processing technology for Lithocarpus ducampii A. Camus

Abstract

Lithocarpus ducampii A. Camus is listed as an important indigenous
species for reforestation in Vietnam. However, the species have not
been studied in the field of wood processing technology for the aim of
sawn timber uses and sliced veneer production. This study investigated
the wood processing of Lithocarpus ducampii A. Camus at three
aspects: (1) Evaluation of the logs and sawn timber; (2) Effects of different
drying schedules on the quality of sawn timber; and (3) sliced veneer
production. Results showed that the quality of sawn timbers produced by
quarter sawing method was better than flat sawing method. The rate of
A-grade sawn timber (by quarter sawing) accounted for more than 40%
while by flat sawing, A-grade sawn timber was between 26.18% and
35.18%. The drying schedule of 50-70
o
C for 245 hours was the most
suitable for drying Lithocarpus ducampii A. Camus timber. In relation to
the sliced veneer production, the optimal quality and wood recovery of
Lithocarpus ducampii A. Camus veneers were achieved when the logs were
preheated in the kiln at 80
o
C for 48 hours, then sliced with a thickness of
0.4mm and then dried to the final moisture content of 10% at 70
o
C at the
speed of 3m/min.