A Preliminary Physical Property Characterization of Artocarpus blancoi (Antipolo) from Maguindanao Province of Mindanao

Abstract

This study examined the physical properties of Artocarpus blancoi wood, focusing on moisture content (MC), basic density (BD), and directional and volumetric shrinkage across tree samples and height levels. Three trees aged approximately 5 to 10 years, were sampled from Maguindanao del Norte in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines. Testing procedures based on ASTM D143 standards were employed. Results showed that tree 1 recorded the lowest MC (98.58%) and the highest BD (384.28 kg/m³). Along height levels, the top portion exhibited the lowest MC (110.51%), while the bottom portion recorded the highest BD (398.62 kg/m³). For shrinkage properties, tree 2 consistently showed the lowest values for tangential shrinkage (TS) (4.59%), radial shrinkage (RS) (2.44%), and longitudinal shrinkage (0.17%), and the lowest volumetric shrinkage (VS) (6.93%). Relative to height levels, the top portion exhibited the lowest TS (4.34%) and VS (7.14%), whereas RS and LS did not differ significantly among height levels. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in MC and BD among both individual trees and height levels. The RS, LS, and VS varied significantly among individual trees, while TS and VS differed across height levels. Based on the classification systems for density and volumetric shrinkage established by the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), A. blancoi falls under low density and falls within the low to moderately low shrinkage classes. These findings suggest that A. blancoi has potential as a resource for value-added wood products from high end to standard grade furniture and other non-structural applications, light weight and dimensional stability are of great advantageous. However, it is vital to note that this study was limited to physical property assessment, and did not encompass anatomical and mechanical characterization, durability and/or processing tests, which are valuable for a more comprehensive evaluation of this species.