Quantitative analyses of shrinkage characteristics of neem (<i>Azadirachta indica</i> A. Juss.) wood in North Eastern zone of Nigeria

Abstract

Quantitative analyses of shrinkage characteristics of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) wood were carried out. Forty five wood specimens were prepared from the three ecological zones of north eastern Nigeria, viz: sahel savanna, sudan savanna and guinea savanna for the research. The results indicated that the wood species has a large coefficient of volumetric shrinkage of 19.17% from green (>30%) moisture content to oven dry moisture content of <<30%. The analysis of variance revealed insignificant differences in shrinkage between the three ecological zones, as well as between the sampled trees. Thus, the shrinkage value of neem wood compares favourably with other local wood species. This confirms the suitability of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. for timber production.

Keywords: shrinkage, neemwood, moisture content, ecological zones

Global Journal of Engineering Research Vol.4 (1&2) 2005: 17-22