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

Propriétés physiques et mécaniques d’hybrides de peupliers à croissance rapide en fonction de l’aptitude à l’emploi

Annals of Forest Science volume 64, pages 621–630 (2007)Cite this article

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 × deltoides (T×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

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 × 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.

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Authors and Affiliations

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

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

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  1. Lieven De Boever
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  2. Dries Vansteenkiste
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  3. Joris Van Acker
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  4. Marc Stevens
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Correspondence to Marc Stevens.

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De Boever, L., Vansteenkiste, D., Van Acker, J. et al. End-use related physical and mechanical properties of selected fast-growing poplar hybrids (Populus trichocarpa × P. deltoides). Ann. For. Sci. 64, 621–630 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1051/forest:2007040

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/forest:2007040

Annals of Forest Science

ISSN: 1297-966X