End-use related physical and mechanical properties of selected fast-growing poplar hybrids (Populus trichocarpa P. deltoides)

Free access article

Issue		Ann. For. Sci. Volume 64, Number 6, September 2007


Page(s)		621 - 630
DOI		10.1051/forest:2007040
Published online		06 September 2007

Ann. For. Sci. 64 (2007) 621-630
DOI: 10.1051/forest:2007040

End-use related physical and mechanical properties of selected fast-growing poplar hybrids (Populus trichocarpa $\times$ P. deltoides)

Lieven De Boever, Dries Vansteenkiste, Joris Van Acker and Marc Stevens

Department of Forest and Water Management, Laboratory of Wood Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

(Received 7 August 2006; accepted 18 January 2007; published online 6 September 2007)

Abstract - This study focused on physical and mechanical properties of fast-growing poplar clones in relation to potential end uses with high added value. A total of 14 trees from three different clones, all P. trichocarpa $\times$ deltoides (T $\times$ D) hybrids, were felled in a poplar plantation in Lille (Belgium): six 'Beaupré', four 'Hazendans' and four 'Hoogvorst'. Growth rate was found to have no significant influence on the physical mechanical properties. Although the investigated clones are genetically closely related, important variations in physical and mechanical properties were observed. Specific features such as spatial distribution of tension wood and dimensional stability are the main quality factors. It was concluded that 'Beaupré' is suitable for a wide range of high value added applications, such as plywood or construction wood. 'Hazendans' and 'Hoogvorst' will need adapted technology in processing. Further research is needed to characterize clonally induced variation in properties and to assess adequate processing strategies for multiclonal poplar stands.

Résumé - Propriétés physiques et mécaniques d'hybrides de peupliers à croissance rapide en fonction de l'aptitude à l'emploi. Cette étude porte sur les caractéristiques physiques et mécaniques du bois de clones de peupliers à croissance rapide, en fonction de l'aptitude à l'emploi. Quatorze arbres ont été étudiés, provenant d'une plantation de peuplier à Lille (Belgique), appartenant à trois hybrides différents de P. trichocarpa $\times$ deltoides, à savoir six "Beaupré", quatre "Hazendans" et quatre "Hoogvorst". Les caractéristiques de croissance n'ont pas affecté de manière significative les propriétés physiques et mécaniques. Bien que les clones étudiés soient génétiquement rapprochés, des variations importantes ont été constatées dans les propriétés physiques et mécaniques. Des caractéristiques spécifiques telles que la distribution spatiale du bois de tension et la stabilité dimensionnelle du bois sont des propriétés importantes affectant sur la qualité du produit final. On peut conclure que le bois de "Beaupré" est apte à la fabrication de panneaux contreplaqués et de bois de sciage. Une adaptation de la technologie de transformation sera nécessaire pour les clones `Hazendans' et `Hoogvorst'. Des recherches approfondies seront requises afin d'évaluer la variabilité induite par l'effet clonal ainsi que pour identifier des stratégies adaptées à la transformation du bois de peuplements multiclonaux.

Key words: Populus trichocarpa $\times$ P. deltoides / physical properties / mechanical properties / veneer / plywood

Mots clés : Populus trichocarpa $\times$ P. deltoides / bois de tension / bois de coeur / propriétés physico-mécanique / contreplaqué

Corresponding author: Lieven.DeBoever@UGent.be

© INRA, EDP Sciences 2007

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