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Wednesday, 27 July 2016

Physico-chemical and mechanical characterisation of the bark of selected Ficus species growing in Uganda

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Title 

Physico-chemical and mechanical characterisation of the bark of selected Ficusspecies growing in Uganda

  • Author 
  • Christine Mwanja 
  • Paul Mugabi
  • Abwoli Y. Banana

Abstract

In this study, the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of three Ficus species growing in Uganda were determined. Basic density and water absorption rate were (0.33 g/cm3, 134) in Ficus natalensis, (0.32 g/cm3, 137) in Ficus thonningii and (0.28 g/cm3, 145) in Ficus glumosa, respectively. Lignin content and tensile strength were highest in the bark of F. natalensis, and lowest in Fglumosa while cellulose content was highest in the bark of Fglumosa and lowest in F. natalensis. Based on the results, the bark is not suitable for use in industries such as paper manufacturing, where lignin is undesirable, but it can be used in manufacture of dyes and adhesives.

References

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  2. Bauer G, Speck T (2012) Restoration of tensile strength in bark samples of Ficus benjamina due to coagulation of latex during fast self-healing of fissures. Ann Bot 109(4):807–811CrossRefPubMed
  3. Buamscha MG, Altland JE, Sullivan DM, Horneck DA, Cassidy J (2007) Chemical and physical properties of Douglas fir bark relevant to the production of container plants. HortScience 42(5):1281–1286
  4. Cottray O, Miles L, Newton A (2006) Non-timber forest products in Uganda. Spatial tools supporting sustainable development. UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge
  5. Dhakal HN, Zhan ZY, Richardson MOW (2007) Effect of water absorption on the mechanical properties of hemp fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. Compos Sci Technol 67(7):1674–1683CrossRef
  6. Harkin JM (1969) Uses for sawdust, shavings, and waste chips (Vol. 208). US Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin
  7. Harkin JM, Rowe JW (1971) Bark and its possible uses. US Department of Agriculture. Forest Service. Forest Products Laboratory, Madison (Research Note FPL-091)

For further details log on website :
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00107-016-1068-4

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