Longitudinal and Transverse Variation in the Physical Properties of Wood Red Tauari

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to study the fiber length variation, retractability and basic density, in the core-bark direction and along the heig of the red tauari wood (Cariniana micrantha Ducke). The stem was evaluated in the discs, from core to bark, corresponding to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. At the commercial height of the tree the evaluation was carried out in the Base, DBH, 50%, 75% and 100%. Three trees were collected and 5 discs of 12 cm of thickness were taken from each tree the heights: Base, DAP, 50%, 75% and 100%. Results indicated that the fiber length increases in the radial direction core-bark and decreases in the longitudinal direction, from base to top. The analysis of the basic density varied in the core-bark direction, with tendency to increase from the position of 50% (heartwood), then decreasing in the sapwood region. Total volumetric and linear contractions decreased in the core-bark direction.