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Variability in chemical and mechanical properties of Pará rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) trees

Jirawat Riyaphan^a, Thitaporn Phumichai^b, Trairat Neimsuwan^c, Suteera Witayakran^d, Krissada Sungsing^e, Rangsarid Kaveeta^a, Chalermpol Phumichai^a,*

 
ABSTRACT:     Pará rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) is grown primarily for latex. Some clones (timber clones) are frequently planted for wood production. Rubberwood, from old rubber trees, is an important economic byproduct. In general, the quality of the wood depends on multiple factors, including chemical and mechanical properties. This study investigates the effects of clone variety, height (1.3 and 6.0 m above ground level), and the variation between clone and height on chemical and mechanical properties of seven Pará rubber clones (RRIT 251, RRIM 600, RRI-CH-35-59, RRI-CH-35-650, RRI-CH-35-1397, RRI-CH-35-1757, and RRI-CH-35-2086). Thirteen-year old trees were sampled selecting one tree per clone. Results showed that height had a significant effect on the chemical components of the wood. Furthermore, the interaction between clone and height also had an effect on the chemical composition of cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and extractives. In contrast, the mechanical properties of rubberwood depended a lot on the clone variety. The chemical and mechanical properties of rubberwood were significantly correlated among the seven clones studied. RRI-CH-35-1757, RRI-CH-35-2086, and RRIM 600 had the highest values for holocellulose as the main chemical components and mechanical strength.

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* Corresponding author, E-mail: chalermpol.ph@gmail.com

Received 3 Jun 2014, Accepted 17 Aug 2015