Sepul |
The timber is soft, light to moderately heavy with a density of 545-755 kg m-3 air dry. The sapwood is not well defined but is slightly lighter in colour than the heartwood, which is red-brown to light brown. Texture is fine and even with interlocked grain. Preliminary results of test conducted in the FRIM, Kepong, indicate that the timber is weak (Strength group D). It is very difficult to saw and difficult to work. The planed surface produced is rough. The nailing property is rated as excellent. The timber seasons fairly rapidly with only slight degrades in the form of cupping, bowing and twisting. 13mm boards take approximately 2 months to air dry, while 38 mm boards take 3-4 months. Shrinkage is very high, especially in the tangential direction. Radial shrinkage averages 2.1% while tangential shrinkage averages 5.5%. The timber is non-durable, being susceptible to powder-post beetle attacks.
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