Assessing the Mechanical Properties of Black Ash - Department of ...

Assessing the Mechanical Properties of Black Ash(Fraxinus nigra M.) grown in the Thunder Bay SeedZone for use in Value Added Forest ProductsBrent ForbesDr. Mathew LeitchDr. Chander ShahiLakehead University, Thunder Bay, OntarioISCHP 2011, Blacksburg Virginia, October 2011

Ontario’s Forest Economy• Vital component of the Canadian economy– Province’s largest industry; $15 billion• Economic downturn over the last decade– 40 manufacturing facilities closed• Worldwide demand for forestproducts is steadily increasing• Become more competitive,capitalize on emerging markets andutilize Northwestern Ontario's vastwood supply

Research Objective• Identification of underutilized species with potential fordevelopment and increased marketing potential• Complete understanding of the variation in physical andmechanical properties of these species in Northwestern Ontario• How this knowledge can be applied to end use attributes invalued added manufacturing• Allow the forest sector to better utilize resources and competemore effectively in global markets.

Black Ash• Fraxinus nigra Marsh.• Slow growing hardwood– Frequently on wetland ormesic Sites– Upland , mixedwood sites• .4% of provincial growing stock– 20 million cu/m 3 across theprovince• Flooring, mouldings, furniture,handles, novelties

Methodology

Sample Preparation

Property Testing• Modulus of Elasticity• Modulus of Rupture• Specific Gravity• Janka Ball Hardness• Compression Parallel to Grain• X-Ray Densitometry• Growth Rate

Methodology1. Juvenile core2. Juvenile andmature transition3. Heartwood andsapwood1004. Outer sapwood751 2 3 45025juvenile woodZones ofradialsimilarityZones oflongitudinalsimilarityZones ofmature &juvenile woodWoodpropertymapping

Results – Modulus of Elasticity4• 4,912 to 11,899Mpa• 8,307 Mpa average• 3 distinct sites• Longitudinalsubsets1 2 3 4321

Results – Modulus of Rupture4• 48 to 114 Mpa• 87 Mpa average• 3 distinct sites• Little variation ineither direction321

Results – Relative Density 12%4• 546 to 753• 650 average• 2 subsets of sites• Consistent trends1 2 3 4321

Results – Janka Ball Side Hardness4• 1,544 N to 7677 N; 5410 N Average• 2 subsets of sites• Insignificant radial variation• Homogenous subsets within stem• Consistent longitudinal trends1 1 22 3 4321

Key Findings - Trends• Consistent radial trends with little variation– No change from heartwood to sapwood, juvenile tomature– Large heartwood area with consistent properties• Little variation in longitudinal bolts– Consistent properties from stump to crown– First bolt shows potential for increased properties• Homogenous wood properties with potential forpredictive models

Key Findings - Site• Site was a significant factor for eachof the properties examined– 3 distinct sites or 2 subsets for each ofthe properties– Wet vs. drier upland• How consistent is site in relation toproperties?• Prediction of properties based on sitecharacteristics– Wet vs. dry– Ecosites

Utilization Potential• Inherent properties and underutilizednature of black ash make it desirable for anumber of products• Growth rate plays a significant role in theinherent properties– Earlywood to latewood ratio– Faster growth results in higher woodproperties– Potential for increased utilization in shortertime frames• Higher hardness values then any speciesin the region provides potential for valueadded flooring

Future Utilization• Emerald Ash Borer– Not in the Northwest– Concerns with small woodlot and urban trees– Unclear of the widespread effect on native ash• Future supply of ash?– Reduced supply of competing hardwoods• Better management practices

Further Research• Completion of detailed property maps forblack ash stems• Stand attribute data• Height, DBH, health, defects etc• Provide the value and quality of black ash• Understanding of potential yields,products and markets with a focus onsmaller, value adding businesses inNorthwestern Ontario

I would like to acknowledge the following:• Lakehead University Wood Science and Testing Facility• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources• Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation• FedNor and the Northern Ontario Development Program