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P. Kumar , S. R. Shukla , R. Sudheendra , M. Sujatha , S. Shashikala , S. K. Sharma , A. K. Sethy , R. Vijendra Rao

Abstract

Based on tests conducted on small clear specimens of timber, the physical and mechanical properties of E. citriodora are reported and discussed. The safe working stresses and suitable indices have also been evaluated and compared with those of Tectona grandis. Based on suitability coefficients, E. citriodora has been recommended for utilization for several end uses.

Keywords

Eucalyptus citriodora, Physical and Mechanical Properties

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R. Vijendra Rao , S. C. Gairola , S. Shashikala , A. K. Sethy

Abstract

Bamboo occupies a prominent place in the socio-economic and cultural life of Indians. It has been a source of number of uses since ancient times. India is the second largest in bamboo production with the highest growing stock concentrated in the North-East states. This paper outlines the consumption pattern of different species of bamboo in various sectors like agriculture, aquatic environment, socio-religious functions, sericulture, agarbathi industry and furniture. It also emphasizes the importance of research on bamboo improvement programme to produce better quality material in terms of physico-mechanical properties and the role of training in efficient utilization of this unique raw material.

Keywords

Bamboo, Utilization, R&d, Training, Southern India

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R. Vijendra Rao , S. Shashikala , P. Sreevani , V. Kothiyal

Abstract

The basic density and anatomical properties of five clones of Eucalyptus tereticornis developed by ITC Bhadrachalam are reported. Tbe five clones represented by four trees each, of 4-5 year old were from Sarapaka demonstration plot, Andhra Pradesh, India. Intra-clonal variation was significant in basic density, vessel diameter, vessel element length, fibre length, fibre diameter, fibre wall thickness, while variation in tissue proportions were non-significant. However, inter-clonal variation was significant for all the parameters. Basic density was positively correlated with vessel diameter and percentage of rays, while girth had a negative influence on fibre diameter and fibre wall thickness. Fibre length, fibre diameter and fibre lumen diameter were positively inter-correlated, while negative correlations were observed among the tissue proportions. Vessel diameter was also correlated positively with ray percentage and negatively with vessel percentage. All these correlations are suggestive of spatial adjustments in quantitative characteristics among different cell types.

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R. V. Rao , V. Kothiyal , P. Sreevani , S. Shashikala , S. Naithani , S. V. Singh

Abstract

Five trees of four and half years old growth representing 5 clones of Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. Obtained from ITC Bhadrachalam Paper Boards, Andhra Pradesh, India were evaluated for pulp yield and strength properties. Variation in pulp yield, kappa number, holocellulose and lignin content, strength and anatomical properties was observed in five clones. Clone 3 yielded more pulp. The pulps of all the clones tested have adequate strength properties. Basic information on anatomical properties were also provided in the paper.

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Sila Tripati ¹, S. R. Shukla ², S. Shashikala ², Areef Sardar ¹

Affiliations
1 CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, IN
2 Wood Properties and Uses Division, Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Malleswaram, Bengaluru 560 003, IN

Abstract

One of the greatest achievements of man is the design and development of a variety of watercraft suitable for marine and riverine purposes and safer for the environment. From ancient times, timber was the main component for the construction of these crafts, until it was replaced by iron/steel. As the size of the vessels increased to accommodate more cargo and overseas trade became more frequent, superior quality timber was used in the construction of vessels. Among the timbers used, teak was mostly preferred for building boats and ships. Many ships have been explored and excavated, and the timber used has been identified, but a detailed microstructural analysis has not been presented. The Cara Merchant or Quedagh Merchant ship, built in Surat, Gujarat, India was pirated by Captain Kidd, and subsequently wrecked off the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic in 1699. Indiana University, USA, carried out exploration to locate Cara Merchant. This communication presents a comparative study of the anatomical analysis of the microstructure of a wood sample with the wood from the wrecked Cara Merchant. This study is an attempt to support the use of teak in boat and shipbuilding as mentioned in the literature.

Keywords

Scanning Electron Microscope, Shipbuilding, Shipwreck, Teak, Wood Anatomy.

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Sila Tripati ¹, S. R. Shukla ², S. Shashikala ², Areef Sardar ¹

Affiliations
1 CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, IN
2 Wood Properties and Engineered Wood Division, Institute of Wood Science & Technology, Malleswaram, Bengaluru 560 003, IN

Abstract

One of the greatest achievements of man is the invention of watercraft which has been used from the prehistoric period onwards. Over the centuries, varieties of watercraft were designed and developed. Timber was the main component required for construction of boats and ships since ancient times until it was replaced by iron or steel. Once the size and carrying capacity of vessels was enhanced and overseas trade became more frequent, superior quality of timber was used for building boats and ships which were seaworthy. Probably, the Ashtadhyayi of Panini (5th century BC) is the oldest Indian literary work mentioning the use of a variety of timbers. Timber species such as teak (Tectona grandis), sal (Shorea robusta), sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo), benteak (Lagestroemia microcarpa), etc. were used in shipbuilding. Among these, teakwood has been termed as most valued on account of its noble qualities, specifically, long-term durability, higher strength and stiffness and absence of development of cracks and splits in the products. Most of the Indian literature as well as travellers have mentioned about the worthiness of teak, but there are no studies to corroborate the accounts. In a later period, the Europeans understood the superiority of teakwood which resulted in slow replacement of traditionally used oak and pine by teak in shipbuilding. The European rulers imposed several restrictions and permissions were not granted for the use of teak by the natives; while on the contrary, the Europeans mostly built their ships from teakwood. This has been confirmed from shipwrecks found around the world. Abundant references are found in literature on the use of teakwood in shipbuilding. There are not many studies related to use of teak in shipbuilding to confirm the statements made in literature, nor timber samples collected from many shipwrecks and archaeological sites analysed. Most of the references to teakwood available in literature as well as wrecks of teakwood-built ships explored so far are referred to in this note.

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