Disparity in water absorption, radial shrinkage, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity (MOE) between the heartwood and sapwood of Afzelia africana SM. and Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) in Makurdi, Nigeria

The study investigated the variation in the physical and mechanical properties of A. africana and D. oliveri wood. Factorial design of 2×2×4 in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used. Results showed that percentage water absorption of A. africana recorded 187.9% while D. oliveri had 160.1%. D. oliveri recorded a higher radial shrinkage of -72%. A. africana recorded a higher tensile strength of 2.61N/mm 2 while D. oliveri recorded 1.81N/mm 2 . D. oliveri recorded significant difference with heartwood recording a higher value of 180.7% compared to the sapwood with 139.5%. The radial shrinkage of D. oliveri had higher shrinkage of -72% while heartwood was 0%. A. africana had 462N/mm 2 and 223N/mm 2 of MOE for heartwood and sapwood while D. oliveri recored 224N/mm 2 and 218N/mm 2 respectively. Heartwood of A. africana had a higher (462N/mm 2 ) value compared to the sapwood (231.7N/mm 2 ). The two-wood species exhibit high tensile strength and are therefore recommended for use in building purposes. Keywords: A. africana , D. oliveri, MOE, water absorption, radial shrinkage, tensile strength.