Comparison of physical and mechanical properties of four rattan species grown in China

Abstract

Rattan cane is an important forest product only second to timber and bamboo, with higher economic value and ecological benefits. Physical and mechanical properties are more important quality performance indexes, which are highly correlated with the processing and utilization of rattan cane. The present paper describes a study of main physical and mechanical properties in different heights of rattan cane for four rattan species, and also makes a comparison of property for Calamus simplicifolius grown in different sites. The relationship between species, cane position, density and mechanical properties of the rattan in China is also discussed. The results show that the physical and mechanical properties differ among four rattan species, and they follow irregular variation pattern with height. The physicalmechanical properties have no significant difference among species except modulus of elasticity, and the same as the different geographical areas. The basic density and mechanical properties gave a more moderate correlation with quadric equation. This result will provide basic data support for property modification and commercial utilization of rattan resources.

Anatomical, Physical, Chemical, and Biological Durability Properties of Two Rattan Species of Different Diameter Classes

“…This could be attributed to the steady decrease of fiber cells from base to top [15]. However, diverged results of density with cane heights are also reported [5,11]. In this study, for both semi-and fully polished samples, no statistical differences of basic density were found between the bottom and top parts.…”

“…The cortex between epidermis (single cell layer) and the vascular system consists of parenchyma cells, fibers, and incomplete vascular bundles. Higher frequency of vascular bundles, thicker fiber cell walls, and smaller cell sizes in the cortex contribute to higher basic density than in the core [11,30]. The basic density tends to decrease with cane height from the basal to the top portion of the cane [5,29,33].…”

“…Those properties are influenced by the species, stem position, diameter, internode length, and density [5]. Different properties of rattan have previously been investigated, including moisture content (MC), density, bending modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, axial compression strength, and tensile strength [11]. Also, the factors influencing mechanical properties, such as species [12], microfibril angle [13], anatomical characteristics, temperature, MC, and test methods [14,15], have been discussed.…”

“…Also, the factors influencing mechanical properties, such as species [12], microfibril angle [13], anatomical characteristics, temperature, MC, and test methods [14,15], have been discussed. However, it is hardly possible to make a comprehensive conclusion since the properties of rattan canes vary considerably with plant height [11,16]. Trees undergo secondary growth and age-related variability in wood properties is evident, but such variability is not apparent in rattan canes because of the absence of secondary growth [17].…”

The Diversity of Rattan Types at Various Height of Growing Areas in Rompo Village Lore Lindu National Park Area, Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

“…Rattan plants have very diverse types [5]. In addition, rattan plants also had types, characteristics and conditions of the growing environment that were quite different from one type to another [6].…”