Microstructure and mechanical properties of Molongó wood ( Malouetia tamaquarina (Aubl.) A. DC)

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Abstract

This study provided the first investigation of the microstructure and mechanical behaviour of Molongó wood (Malouetia tamaquarina (Aubl.) A. DC.), a species native to the Andirá river in the State of Amazonas, Brazil. Detailed microstructural characterization is performed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray computed tomography, and mercury intrusion porosimetry. While the wood exhibits a highly porous (≈87.8%) cellular structure in which vessel elements are almost indistinguishable from other features, the wood is believed to belong to Apocynaceae, a family of hardwoods. Mechanical testing is employed to assess its responses when subjected to tensile, compressive, flexural, and Charpy impact loading. The high void content, combined with its thin cell walls (approx. 3 µm thick) and high microfibril angle (≈45∘), results in tensile and flexural moduli of 0.85 and 0.82 GPa, respectively. Combined with its low density (≈180 kg m−3), these properties make the wood suitable for local, lightweight applications, such as non-load-bearing components, buoyant structures, sandwich panels or energy-absorbing elements.

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