Physical and mechanical properties of Crataegus submollis Sarg. wood at introduction in Belarus

Abstract

The results of research of some physical and mechanical properties of Crataegus submollis Sarg. wood, formed in the conditions of introduction are presented in the article. By using standard wood research methods it was found that the average width of the annual ring is (2.76 ± 0.71) mm, 89% of which is taken by the latewood. Of all the species growing in Belarus hawthorn produces the most dense (ρ12 = (912.2 ± 6.6) kg/m3), solid (σ12 compression along fibers 73.2 MPa) and hard (H12 in cross section 108.2 N/mm2) timber. Hawthorn wood is characterized by high dynamics of water absorption and belongs to strongly shrinkable species, the ratio of its volume shrinkage is (0.72 ± 0.02)%. A supposition was put forward about good prospects of creation of complex C. submollis plantations and about this species introduction as an additional species in artificial forest stands.