MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF RUBBERWOOD FROM A 35-YEAR-OLD PLANTATION IN CENTRAL KERALA, INDIA*

Abstract

The mechanical properties of air-dried rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) from a 35-y-old plantation in the central region of Kerala were determined. It was found that the mechanical properties tested, namely, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and maximum compressive stress (MCS) were higher for the 35-y-old material than for lower age material reported in the literature. These properties were comparable with those of other conventional timbers grown in Kerala. The study showed that rubbenvood possesses medium strength properties.