NATURAL DURABILITY
Jackson (1965) reported on a trial involving 48 pieces of K. reflexa. All specimens were destroyed witthin 5 years and gave an average life span of 4.2 years.
The timber is thus classified as moderately durable. The timber is not resistant to subterranean termites. Sawn timbers have also been attacked by both powder-post
beetles and sap-staining fungi.
PRESERVATIVE TREATMENT
The timber is very difficult to treat with preservatives.
TEXTURE
Texture is fine but uneven due to the thick bands of parenchyma. Grain is interlocked.
STRENGTH PROPERTIES
The timber falls into Strength Group A (Engku, 1988b) or SG 2 (MS 544:Part 2:2001).
Strength Properties of Mata Ulat (K.Littoralis)
| Test Condition |
Modulus of Elasticity(MPa) |
Modulus of Rupture(MPa) |
Compression parallel to grain (MPa) |
Compression perpendicular to grain (MPa) |
Shear strength(MPa) |
| Green |
16,300 |
102 |
53.1 |
6.8 |
10.7 |
MACHINING PROPERTIES
It is easy to resaw and cross-cut. Planing is easy and the planed surface is smooth in the tangential direction but slightly rough due to some grain pick-up in
the radial direction.
Machining Properties of Mata Ulat (K.Littoralis)
| Test Condition |
Sawing |
Planning |
Boring |
Turning |
|
Re Sawing |
Cross Cutting |
Ease of planing |
Quality of finish |
Ease of boring |
Quality of finish |
Ease of Turning |
Quality of finish |
| Green |
Easy |
Easy |
Easy |
Tangential: smooth; radial; some grain pick-up |
Easy |
Smooth |
- |
- |
| Air dry |
Easy |
Easy |
Easy |
Smooth |
Easy |
Smooth |
Difficult |
Rough |
Air drying
The timber seasons fairly rapidly, with moderate end-checking and splitting and slight surface-checking as the main sources of degrade.
13 mm thick boards take 2 months to air dry, while 38 mm thick boards take 4 months.
Machining Properties of Mata Ulat (K.Littoralis)
| Species |
Time to dry (Months) |
Remarks |
|
13 mm thick Boards |
38 mm thick Boards |
|
| K.Littoralis |
3 |
5 |
Fairly slow drying; slight splitting; moderate end-checking and surface-checking; insect attacks. |
| K.Reflexa |
2 |
3.5 |
Fairly rapid drying; slight end-checking, splitting and surface-checking. |
Kiln-Drying
Kiln Schedule C is recommended. 25 mm thick boards take approximately 10 days to dry.
Kiln Schedule C
| Moisture Content(%) |
Temperature (Dry Bulb) |
Temperature (Wet Bulb) |
Relative Humidity (%)(approx.) |
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
F
|
|
| Green |
105 |
40.5 |
101 |
38.0 |
85 |
| 60 |
105 |
40.5 |
99 |
37.0 |
80 |
| 40 |
110 |
43.5 |
102 |
39.0 |
75 |
| 35 |
110 |
43.5 |
100 |
38.0 |
70 |
| 30 |
115 |
46.0 |
103 |
39.5 |
65 |
| 25 |
125 |
51.5 |
109 |
43.0 |
60 |
| 20 |
140 |
60.0 |
118 |
47.5 |
50 |
| 15 |
150 |
65.5 |
121 |
49.0 |
40 |
SHRINKAGE
Shrinkage is fairly high, with radial shrinkage averaging 1.7% and tangential shrinkage averaging 3.2%.
| Species |
Shrinkage (%) (Green to air dry) |
Remarks |
|
Radial |
Tangential |
|
| K.Littoralis |
2.6 |
3 |
Fairly high shrinkage. |
| K.Reflexa |
1.6 |
2 |
Average shrinkage. |
DEFECTS
The logs of mata ulat are remarkably free from defects. However, during storage, degrade in the form of end-splitting and checking may appear. The sapwood is liable
to be attacked by powder-post beetles.
Uses
The timber is suitable for heavy construction if treated, e.g. posts, beams, joists, rafters, bridges and railway sleepers. The timber is also suitable for heavy duty
and decorative furniture, fender supports, telegraphic and power transmission posts and cross arms, flooring (heavy traffic), door and window frames and sills, staircase
(angle block, rough bracket, handrail and sprandrel framing), joinery, cabinet making, tool handles (impact) and vehicle bodies (framework and floor boards).
REFERENCES
Desch, H. E. 1941. Manual of Malayan Timbers. Vol. 1. Mal. For. Rec. No. 15.
Engku Abdul Rahman Chik.1998b. Basic and Grade Stresses for Strength Groups of Malaysian Timbers. Malayan Forest Service Trade Leaflet No.38.
The Malaysian Timber Industry Board and Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. 13 pp.
Jackson, W.F.1965. The Durability of Malayan Timbers. Mal. For.Ser. Trade Leaflet No.28.
Menon, P.K.B. 1986. Uses of Some Malaysian Timbers. Revised by Lim, S.C.Timber Trade Leaflet No.31. The Malaysian Timber Industry Board and Forest Research Institute
Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. 48 pp.
MS 544:Part 2:2001. Code of Practice for the Structural Use of Timber: Permissible Stress Design of Solid Timber.
Wong, T.M.1982. A Dictionary of Malaysian Timbers. Revised by Lim, S.C. & Chung, R.C.K. Malayan Forest Records No.30. Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.
201 pp.
Wong, T.M. 1982. Malaysian Timbers - Mata Ulat. Malaysian Forest Service Trade Leaflet No.70. The Malaysian Timber Industry Board and Forest Research Institute Malaysia,
Kuala Lumpur. 10 pp.
