Differences and Similarities between the Wood of Three Low-Density and Homogenous Species: Linden, Balsa, and Paulownia

Abstract

The use of woods with a low density and good structural uniformity has intensified in recent decades, paving new ways for their superior valorization. This research study aimed to examine the wood of three deciduous wood species with low densities and great uniformity of structure, namely linden wood, with an oven-dried density of 461 kg/m3, paulownia wood, with an oven-dried density of 304 kg/m3, and balsa wood, with an oven-dried density of 118 kg/m3. The physical and mechanical properties of these species were studied using various methodologies. The obtained results show that, although they have significant differences in terms of densities and mechanical characteristics, the coloristic properties of the three analyzed species obtained using the CIELab are almost similar. As a general conclusion, based on all the properties found in this research, it can be concluded that paulownia wood is more appropriate than linden or balsa for use, being able to replace linden in its uses.