Evaluation of Mechanical and Physical Properties of Zanthoxylum gilletii Wood and Comparative Strength Analysis with Enthandrophragma cylindricum for Furniture Applications

Abstract In furniture manufacturing, the mechanical and physical properties of timber play a vital role in determining its strength and suitability for use. This study evaluated these properties in three trees each of Zanthoxylum gilletii (Okuo) and Entandrophragma cylindricum (Sapele). Samples, free from defects and exhibiting straight grain, were harvested from three stem sections (top, middle, and bottom) at breast height (DBH) of each tree. The moisture content (MC) of heartwood and sapwood for Z. gilletii ranged between 34.73 ± 3% and 43.29 ± 4%, while E. cylindricum ranged from 38.10 ± 3% to 45.50 ± 4%. Density values for Z. gilletii varied from 715.91 ± 8 to 841.94 ± 79.1 kg/m³, compared to 640.04 ± 33.1 to 758.46 ± 38.9 kg/m³ for E. cylindricum. At 12% moisture content, the mean modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) for Z. gilletii ranged from 86.08 ± 4.52 to 132.25 ± 4 N/mm² and 8,474.10 ± 754.3 to 9,263.80 ± 494.1 N/mm², respectively. Corresponding values for E. cylindricum ranged from 84.15 ± 2 to 109.50 ± 3 N/mm² (MOR) and 8,292.90 ± 492.9 to 9,616.70 ± 705.9 N/mm² (MOE). These results suggest that Z. gilletii demonstrates mechanical properties comparable to or exceeding those of E. cylindricum, indicating its potential as a viable alternative for furniture, construction, and structural applications