Properties and Uses
Kekatong |
The Standard Malaysian Name for the timber of Cynometra spp. (Leguminosae). The timber is a heavy hardwood with a density of 880–1155 kg m–3 air dry. The sapwood is lighter in colour than and not well defined from the heartwood, which is red-brown or claret-red with streaks of lighter colour. Texture is moderately fine and uneven, with straight to shallowly interlocked grain. The timber is very strong (Strength group A). It is easy to difficult to resaw and difficult to cross-cut. Planing is easy to slightly difficult and the surface produced is moderately smooth. Nailing property is rated as poor. The timber seasons moderately slowly without degrade except for some end-checking. 13 mm boards take 3 months to air dry, while 38 mm boards take 5 months. Shrinkage is 1.6% and 2.7% on the radial and tangential surfaces respectively. For kiln-drying, Schedule B is recommended and 25 mm boards can be kiln-dried in 8 days. The timber is moderately durable and fairly difficult to treat with preservatives. USES: The timber is suitable for heavy construction under cover, beams, posts, joists, door and window frames, flooring, railway sleepers when treated, heavy duty flooring and laboratory benches. Vernacular names applied include belangan (P.M.), belangkan (P.M.), katong-katong (P.M. and Sab.) and kekatong laut (P.M.). Major species include C. elmeri, C. iripa, C. malaccensis, C. mirabilis and C. ramiflora.
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