Some strength and related properties of yagrumo hembra (Cecropia peltata) from Puerto Rico

Abstract

Evaluations of several mechanical and physical properties were conducted on specimens from five yagrumo hembra (Cecropia peltata) trees from Puerto Rico. With the exception of toughness and modulus of elasticity in both bending and compression parallel to grain, these specimens were lower in specific gravity and in strength properties than material reported previously. Although the specific gravity of the new material averaged about twice that of balsa, a wide range of specific gravity was evident and material at the lower part of the range could possibly be used as a substitute for balsa. Dense yagrumo hembra resembles North American black cottonwood in both specific gravity and mechanical properties. Total shrinkage from green to the ovendry condition was not excessive although the ratio of tangential to radial shrinkage appears about twice that characteristic of most species.

Citation

Bendtsen, B. A. 1964. Some strength and related properties of yagrumo hembra (Cecropia peltata) from Puerto Rico. Research note FPL no. 053. Madison, WI : USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 7, [7] pages.