Scientific name

Clorophora excelsa Benth.&Hooff.; C. regia A. Chev

Other names

English: Iroko, African Teak

Geographic origin

Africa

Description

&;8226; Sapwood: Yellowish white colour.
&;8226; Heartwood: yellowish brown that changes into reddish grey with the lights effects
&;8226; Fiber: Straight, usually slightly intertwined
&;8226; Grain: medium size to rough

Capacity of being impregnated

&;8226; Sapwood: Capable of being impregnated
&;8226; Heartwood: No capable of being impregnated

Mechanization

&;8226; Sawing process: No difficulties excepting certain abrasivity due to the chalky deposits
&;8226; Drying process: Medium to high speed. Little risk of deformation and crack formation
&;8226; Planing process: generally easy in exception of its abrasivity and the risk of repelling when it has intertwined fibers
&;8226; Gluing process: difficulties with the casein glues
&;8226; Nailing and screwing process: No difficulties
&;8226; Finish: It has tannins that can inhibit oxidant varnishes (such as poliurethan and others) drying process

Physical properties

&;8226; Apparent density at 12% humidity
650 kg/m3 semi-heavy wood
&;8226; Dimensional stability
- Volumetric contraction coefficient
0.36 % stable wood
- Relation between contractions 1.57% no tendency to deformity
&;8226; Hardness (Chaláis-Meudon) 3.9 semi-hardwood

Mechanical properties

&;8226; Resistance to static flexion 955 kg/cm2 &;8226; Elasticity module 105,000 kg/cm2
&;8226; Resistance to compression 540 kg/cm2 &;8226; Resistance to parallel traction 800 kg/cm2

Observations

&;8226; It is recommended not to use the Sapwood
&;8226; It is wrongly called Teak in certain areas
&;8226; It presents a wide range of colours at the time of sawing that are later homogenized.