Dynamic Compression and Thermo-Physical Properties of Some Wood Particles in South Western Nigeria.

This study examines the dynamic compression and thermo-physical properties of some wood particles obtained from Akure, south local government area, Ondo State, South Western Nigeria. These wood particles are of the species of Celtis zenkeri and Celtis philippensis of the Ulmaceae family. The samples were possessed into different particle sizes (300, 600 and 850 μm) and subjected to varied compacting pressures (2.60-3.0 MPa). The density and specific heat capacity of the wood samples were determined using weighing displacement methods and temperature dependent model while the thermal diffusivity was estimated from other thermal properties. The results revealed significant variation in the values of the specific heat capacity as a result of change in pressure for all the wood samples considered. The density of wood samples lies between 4.51×102 -7.32×102 kg/m3 and the specific heat capacity values obtained for the samples fall within the range of 1.28×103-1.33×103 J/kg/K. It was also noted that the thermal diffusivity obtained falls within the range of 1.37×10-7-2.10×10-7 m2/s for the wood materials considered. However, the values of the densities, specific heat capacities and thermal diffusivities of the samples were found to change as the compacting pressure increased due to decreased in porosity. The implication of the study is that the materials have potential for use in polymer applications and the fabrication of film based photographic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]