Physical and Mechanical Properties of Paulownia tomentosa x elongata Sawn Wood from Spanish, Bulgarian and Serbian Plantations

Abstract

The aim of this research is the characterization of physical and mechanical properties of Paulownia sawn wood from three plantation sites in Europe, namely Spain, Bulgaria and Serbia. As a fast-growing wood species, Paulownia has a significant positive forecast for the European markets and a wide range of possible applications that still need to be explored. For this purpose, Paulownia tomentosa(Tunb.) x elongata(S.Y. Hu) wood species was investigated. Sorption behaviour, Brinell hardness, 3-point bending strength, flexural modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, compressive strength and screw withdrawal resistance were examined in detail. The samples from Spain have the higher average bulk density (266 kg/m3), 3-point flexural strength (~40 N/mm2), 3-point flexural modulus of elasticity (~4900 N/mm2), compressive strength (~23 N/mm2), tensile strength (~44 N/mm2) and screw withdrawal resistance (~56 N/mm). The plantation wood from Bulgaria has the highest average of annual ring width (46 mm). Paulownia wood has potential in lightweight applications and can replace successfully expensive tropical species as Balsa.

Impact of Salinity on the Energy Transfer between Pigment–Protein Complexes in Photosynthetic Apparatus, Functions of the Oxygen-Evolving Complex and Photochemical Activities of Photosystem II and Photosystem I in Two Paulownia Lines

“…It originates from China and has subsequently cultivated and used widely in Europe [ 56 , 57 ]. These fast-growing tree species with large heart-shaped leaves, a well-developed root system, and the ability to adapt easily and quickly to environmental conditions have been the subject of increased interest in the last decade for conducting research on the application possibilities of different species of the genus Paulownia for phytoremediation of contaminated soils [ 53 , 56 , 57 , 58 ]. The sensitivity to salinization varies in different Paulownia species [ 59 , 60 , 61 ].…”

Coal Share Reduction Options for Power Generation during the Energy Transition: A Bulgarian Perspective

“…The uniqueness of this tree genus is that almost 100% of its mass (stem, branches, leaves and flowers) is utilized, and in addition to the supply of wood and biomass, there are many auxiliary ecological benefits [140,141]. Paulownia wood has a low density of 0.208-0.282 kg/dm 3 [141][142][143], and its plantation in urban environments or industrial areas with heavy pollution leads up to an 80% reduction in air pollution [144]. A large number of reports confirm that Paulownia is very suitable for combined production, the so-called forestry and agro crops [144][145][146][147].…”

Unlocking the potential of fast-growing species from Indonesia: durability and sorption aspects

“…The use of tropical fast-growing wood species in engineered wood products is an important area of research, given the potential for these species to serve as a valuable resource. In their solid form, wood durability, axial hardness, and sorption properties are important factors to consider when selecting fast-growing wood species for practical applications commensurate to its service life (Barbu et al 2022;Missio et al 2016). Wood durability is affected by its natural resistance to decay, which varies among species.…”