Scientific name

ceiba penttandra Gaertn. Syn.- C. Thonningli A. Chev

Other names

English: Ceiba, fuma, fromager

Geographic origin

Africa

Description

&;8226; Sapwood: the colour varies from white, light brown, pink brown to grey. Yellow or grey shades usually appear
&;8226; Heartwood: Sometimes cannot be easily distinguished from Sapwood
&;8226; Fiber: intertwined
&;8226; Grain: rough or thick

Capacity of being impregnated

Capable of being impregnated

Mechanization

&;8226; Sawing process: Difficult. Wide saw is required
&;8226; Drying process: Drying process speed can vary from normal to low speed. Slow drying process is highy recommended
&;8226; Gluing process: difficult due to a very porous surface
&;8226; Nailing and screwing process: difficult due to grip problems
&;8226; Finish: No difficulties

Physical properties

&;8226; Apparent density (12% de humidity): 320 kg/m3
&;8226; Dimensional stability:
- Volumetric contraction coefficient 12%. Partially nervous wood
&;8226; Hardness (Chaláis-Meudon) 0.8 very soft wood

Mechanical properties

&;8226; Resistance to static flexion 430 Kg/ cm2
&;8226; Elasticity module 44,000 kg/cm2
&;8226; Resistance to parallel compression 250 kg/cm2

Observations

To take into account:
In Spain is only used for plywood boards