Physico-Mechanical and Acoustic Characterization of Mimusops andongensis Wood from Benin in West Africa

Abstract

Wood is a multifunctional anisotropic biomaterial. It is used in various fields, including the craft industry and the construction of structural works. In heavy construction or in wetlands, species with high technological characteristics are sought after. Mimusops andongensis is a species empirically identified as having good technological properties. However, none of these reference characteristics are known. Thus, to fill this gap, we tested 500 mm × 20 mm × 20 mm prismatic specimens of Mimusops andongensis wood using CIRAD-Forest's acoustic BING (Beam Identification by Non-destructive Grading) method to determine density , Young's modulus E and shear modulus G, internal friction tan and then evaluated the specific stiffness modulus E/. On other 20 mm side cubic specimens, we evaluated the physical properties. From this investigation, Mimusops andongensis timber is a heavy to very heavy timber with high modulus. Its volume shrinkage is moderate with low tangential and medium radial shrinkage. Its low shrinkage anisotropy predicts low distortional and splitting deformation. Its specific stiffness is high on the order of (18 ± 1) GPa for a low internal friction of (0.64 ± 0.15) × 10. In a humid environment, the loss of mechanical properties, by increasing 2 its moisture content, even by 20 %, leaves Mimusops andongensis timber in the range of woods with very appreciable properties. Referring to the highly valued species, it can be used in works both in structure and acoustics.

Full text

American-Eurasian J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 22 (2): 79-88, 2022
ISSN 1818-6769
© IDOSI Publications, 2022
DOI: 10.5829/idosi.aejaes.2022.79.88
Corresponding Author: Montcho Crépin Hounlonon, Laboratoire De Physique Du Rayonnement (LPR),
Département De Physique, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques & Formation Doctorale Sciences
des Matériaux (FDSM) de l’Ecole Doctorale Sciences Exactes et Appliquées (EDSEA),
Université d'Abomey-Calavi, BP 526 Cotonou, République du Bénin.
Tel: +229 97504727.
79
Physico-Mechanical and Acoustic Characterization of
Mimusops andongensis Wood from Benin in West Africa
Montcho Crépin Hounlonon, Clément Adéyèmi Kouchadé,
1,2 1,2
Alexis Mèdéhouénou, Vincent Gohoungo and Basile B. Kounouhéwa
1 1,2 1,2
Laboratoire de Physique du Rayonnement (LPR), Département de Physique, Faculté des
1
Sciences et Techniques, Université d'Abomey-Calavi, BP 526 Cotonou, République du Bénin
Formation Doctorale Sciences des Matériaux (FDSM) de l’Ecole Doctorale Sciences Exactes et
2
Appliquées (EDSEA), Université d'Abomey-Calavi, BP 526 Cotonou, République du Bénin
Abstract: Wood is a multifunctional anisotropic biomaterial. It is used in various fields, including the craft
industry and the construction of structural works. In heavy construction or in wetlands, species with high
technological characteristics are sought after. Mimusops andongensis is a species empirically identified as
having good technological properties. However, none of these reference characteristics are known. Thus, to
fill this gap, we tested 500 mm × 20 mm × 20 mm prismatic specimens of Mimusops andongensis wood using
CIRAD-Forest's acoustic BING (Beam Identification by Non-destructive Grading) method to determine density
, Young's modulus E and shear modulus G, internal friction tan and then evaluated the specific stiffness
modulus E/ . On other 20 mm side cubic specimens, we evaluated the physical properties. From this
investigation, Mimusops andongensis timber is a heavy to very heavy timber with high modulus. Its volume
shrinkage is moderate with low tangential and medium radial shrinkage. Its low shrinkage anisotropy predicts
low distortional and splitting deformation. Its specific stiffness is high on the order of (18 ± 1) GPa for a low
internal friction of (0.64 ± 0.15) × 10 . In a humid environment, the loss of mechanical properties, by increasing
2
its moisture content, even by 20 %, leaves Mimusops andongensis timber in the range of woods with very
appreciable properties. Referring to the highly valued species, it can be used in works both in structure and
acoustics.
Key words: Infra-density Heartwood Tropical Hardwood Compression Bending Moisture Content
INTRODUCTION species. It represents a multiple-use species for local
Trees have a multifunctional role and wood from Studies conducted in Benin, following the criteria of the
them is a highly valued material. In the implementation of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN),
projects for the construction of tourist structures on have classified Mimusops andongensis Hiern as a rare
stilts, wood species with high technological and threatened species in Benin [5-8]. The rarity of this
characteristics are sought. Among these species species has certainly resulted in its non-description in the
identified, we can mention Mimusops andongensis. analytical flora of Benin while Mimusops kummel is well
The genus Mimusops belongs to the class presented [9].
Magnoliopsida, order Ebenales/Ericales and to the family In national languages, Mimusops andongensis Hiern
Sapotaceae. Mimusops andongensis Hiern is a Wild is called bohê [10] or afoutin in Fon [11] and égui ochéé
Edible Fruit Tree (WFET) listed among food and medicinal in Holli [10], for others in Fon it is called kinwi and in
populations [1-4]. This predisposes it to a potential threat.

Am-Euras. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 22 (2): 79-88, 2022
80
Nagot igui odu or ochèdo. Mimusops andongensis and obtained are compared with those of other highly prized
Mimusops kummel are found in semi-deciduous forests species in order to deduce the possible uses of Mimusops
and riparian forests which represent their natural habitat andongensis wood. Finally, the influence of humidity on
[5, 12]. Mimusops andongensis and Mimusops kummel the characteristics of Mimusops andongensis wood was
also occur from north to south of Benin along three studied.
bioclimatic zones [13]. Hounkpèvi et al. studying the The main characteristics determined are density,
structure and ecology of two other species (Diospyros infra-density, volume shrinkage, radial shrinkage,
mespiliformis Hochst. ex A. DC. and Dialium guineense tangential shrinkage, modulus of elasticity in
Willd) from the Massi Reserve in Lama, noted among compression, modulus of elasticity in bending, shear
others the presence of Mimusops andongensis with high modulus, internal friction and specific rigidity.
heights [14]. Mimusops andongensis is a small to medium
sized shrub or tree up to 20 m tall, containing latex. It MATERIALS AND METHODS
has a dense, heavily branched crown [15]. The bole can
measure up to 100 cm in diameter but usually much less. For the investigation, we used, the plant material
In southern Benin, Mimusops andongensis is locally consisted of Mimusops andongensis specimens cut
quite common in periodically flooded forests on heavy from a foot taken at plot 22a of Massi forest. This forest
clay soils, where it represents about 3 % of the trees [15]. is under ONAB (National Timber Office of Benin)
Mimusops andongensis wood is a hardwood used in management in Lama in southern Benin. Plot 22a is at the
forestry and for fishing. It is locally highly valued in edge of the central core. The tree is apparently young
both Benin and Nigeria [15]. It is used in construction, in with a diameter of about 32 cm at man's height. The
dugout canoes, axe handles and carving, charcoal prohibitions on the species have not allowed more trees
production and as fuel wood [11, 16, 17]. The bark, roots, to be harvested. The wood is very poorly hardened with
leaves and latex from the bark are exploited to treat a heartwood percentage of about 48 %. Figure 1 shows
malaria, toothache, skin infections and as a penile the trunk and a log of the Mimusops andongensis tree.
stimulant, etc [1, 17-19]. The latex of Mimusops From this trunk, in addition to the 2×2×50 cm prismatic
andongensis is still used to flavour palm wine. The fruit is specimens (Figure 2) cut for mechanical measurements,
used as a substitute for chewing gum [15]. Mimusops 2 cm edge cubic specimens were also cut for evaluation of
andongensis is a species known to have magical powers physical parameters (density and shrinkage).
[1, 20] and is one of the potential commercial species in For the mechanical measurements, the method of
the Central Nucleus of the Lama Forest under ONAB mechanical characterization used is the non-destructive
management [21]. Sinasson et al. [11] determined the one based on the BING device (Beam Identification By
uses, local knowledge and abundance mutations of Non-Destructive Grading) of CIRAD-Forêt whose
Mimusops species in Benin. Sinasson et al. [13] also principle was the subject of work of Brancheriau [23].
investigated ecological patterns and the effectiveness of The device is based on the theory of beams and is based
protected areas in preserving habitats for Mimusops on the Bernoulli and Timoshenko models. It uses
species under climate change. Similarly, Sinasson et al. frequency analysis of vibration signals by Fast Fourier
[22] evaluated the structure, stability and plant Transform (FFT) and has been used in the work of Ahmed
morphology of Mimusops andongensis and Mimusops and Adamopoulos [24] and Hounlonon et al. [25].
kummel under different socio-ecological constraints in BING is used to obtain the longitudinal flexural and
Benin. Unfortunately, all these studies on Mimusops compressive modulus of elasticity, shear modulus,
andongensis did not address the technology of its wood. internal friction and specific stiffness, among others.
That is why, in our logic to have a good data base on the The determination of physical parameters such as
technological characteristics of the woods exploited in shrinkage, density and infra-density or basal density were
Benin, the wood of Mimusops andongensis was the done according to the AFNOR standard as described by
subject of physical, mechanical and acoustic the Memento du Forestier [26], Gérard et al. [27],
characterization tests. Kouchadé et al. [28] and Tonouéwa et al. [29, 30].
The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate The tests were performed on standardized specimens
the physical-mechanical and acoustic characteristics of without defects. The cubic specimens sized for the
Mimusops andongensis wood from Benin. The properties physical tests were immersed in water until fully saturated.

Am-Euras. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 22 (2): 79-88, 2022
81
(a) (b) (c)
Fig. 1: Trunk (a), washer (b) and top view (c) of Mimusops andongensis trunk shaped for debitage joinery
Fig. 2: Some specimens of Mimusops andongensis wood
At saturation, the following measurements were taken on
each specimen: the saturated volume by the buoyancy
method, the radial, tangential, axial or longitudinal
dimensions using an electronic caliper of 0.0 1mm
precision. The specimens were then stabilized in a
temperature-controlled oven at 103°C. At the end of each
stabilization and at the end of the drying process, the
anhydrous mass, also called dry mass, was measured
using a 0.01 g precision electronic balance. Also, the
dimensions in the orthotopic directions of each sample
were measured.
The data obtained from BING or by calculation
allowed us to obtain the descriptive statistics results
presented in Table 1.
RESULTS
Physical, Mechanical and Acoustic Properties of
Mimusops andongensis: The tests carried out on 20
samples allowed to determine the average values and
standard deviations of the physical and mechanical
Table 1: Physical, mechanical and acoustic properties of Mimusops
andongensis
Air-dry density (kg.m )m1, 017
3
e58
Anhydrous density (kg.m )m948
3
e47
Infra-density (kg.m )m854
3
e62
Total volume shrinkage (%) m10.01
e2.43
Tangential shrinkage R (%) m6.35
T
e1.79
Radial shrinkage R (%) m4.16
R
e0.94
Shrinkage anisotropy R /R m1.53
TR
e0.25
Modulus of elasticity in bending (MPa) m18, 470
e1, 828
Modulus of elasticity in compression (MPa) m16, 749
e1, 250
Shear modulus (MPa) m1, 323
e255
Specific modulus of elasticity (GPa or MPa.kg .m ) m18
13
e1
Internal friction tan (10 )m0.64
2
e0.15
m: mean e: standard deviation
parameters presented in Table 1. Thus, the wood of
Mimusops andongensis has an air-dry density of (1,017 ±
58) kg.m , an anhydrous density of (948 ± 47) kg.m
33
and an infra-density of (854 ± 62) kg.m . Regarding
3

Am-Euras. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 22 (2): 79-88, 2022
82
shrinkage, Mimusops andongensis has average volume Cylicodiscus gabunensis, ... Regardless of the density of
shrinkage of less than 13 %. The tangential shrinkage of their wood, Beninese foresters have noted the use of
(6.35 ± 1.79) % is relatively low as well as the radial Manilkara spp. for the construction of piles in pile
shrinkage which is (4.16 ± 0.94) %. The shrinkage dwellings; of Mimusops andongensis for the construction
anisotropy remains low and is (1.53 ± 0.25). Thus, in terms of huts or straw huts in humid environments, even in
of mechanical stiffness, Mimusops andongensis has contact with the ground.
longitudinal flexural (18470 ± 1,828) MPa and compressive Tali, a substitute for Lophira alata (Azobé) is a
(16,749 ± 1,250) MPa moduli. Its specific stiffness is species used for constructions in humid environments or
(18 ± 1) GPa. Its shear modulus is (1,323 ± 255) MPa. They in contact with the ground [32]. It is found, in hydraulic
are, as well as its internal friction, in the order of those works, heavy carpentry, bridges, heavy or industrial
of tropical hardwoods. Its degree of dissipation of flooring, sleepers, posts [32].
vibrational energy by internal friction) that is internal Of use class 4 like Tali, ebony wood is used in guitar
friction tan is very low and less than 10 . making [33], in tablet making, instrument making, luxury
2
DISCUSSION and as a resilient wood in tool handles [32].
Mimusops Andongensis Wood Compared to Woods of durability that can be used in structural works such as
High Technological Value in Benin: From our research musical instrument making, exterior construction,
in the literature, the physical-mechanical and acoustic sleepers, flooring (heavy floor construction), boat
properties of Mimusops andongensis have not been building and marine works [34-37]. It is used intuitively
studied. or empirically by the inhabitants of lake villages in Benin
Mimusops andongensis is a heavy wood, even as piles for pile constructions.
very heavy. Cross-referencing our results with the Anogeissus leiocarpus is one of the most exported
characteristics of other species, the density of Mimusops wood species from Benin [38]. It is a very useful timber in
andongensis remains far better than that of highly prized works both in structure and floor construction as well as
species such as Tectona grandis (800 kg.m , [31]), heavy works [29, 39, 40].
3
Acacia auriculiformis (825 kg.m , [25]), Afzelia africana With a use class of 5, Cylicodiscus gabunensis is a
3
(800 kg.m , [32]), Diospyros mespiliformis (900 kg.m , wood species used in construction in Benin [41] and can
33
[32]) and Erythropleum ivorensis (910 kg.m , [32]), which also be in hydraulic works in maritime environment, in
3
have a relatively high density sculpture, in heavy carpentry, as crossbeam, in bridge
Investigation on timber species highly valued in construction, as posts, parquet, floor or in the confection
North Benin such as Anogeissus leiocarpus and of turned articles [32]. In Korea, it is used for heavy-duty
Pseudocedrela kotschyi showed that their infra-densities flooring such as factories and warehouses, for decking
are respectively 911.0 and 824.86 kg.m [29] and similar to and wooden floors [42]. Cylicodiscus gabunensis is a
3
that of Mimusops andongensis. Compared to other moderately stable to low stable wood species [32, 34].
popular species in Benin, Mimusops andongensis is noble Table 2 presents some properties of these wood
as its infra-density is much higher than that of other species with high technological potential for high-stress
species such as Afzelia africana, Pterocarpus erinaceus, structures. From the data of this table crossed with our
Khaya senegalensis, Milicia excelsa, Gmelina arborea, parameters found, Mimusops andongensis is a valuable
Diospyros mespiliformis, Tectona grandis, Isoberlinia wood species. Thus, in terms of mechanical stiffness,
doka, whose infra-densities range from 560.29 to 795.02 Mimusops andongensis has high longitudinal moduli of
kg.m [29]. The infra-density of Mimusops andongensis elasticity in bending and compression as predicted by its
3
is largely above those of Acacia auriculiformis which has density. Its shear modulus is moderately high. According
values between 496 and 705 kg.m [30]. to the reference of Gerard et al. [27, 32], the high modulus
3
According to wood construction professionals, some wood of Mimusops andongensis is in the range of Tali
wood species are very appreciating in heavy wood which has a longitudinal modulus of elasticity of 19,
construction, especially in contact with the ground or 490 MPa [32] and wood species of Anogeissus leiocarpus,
water. Among these species, there are Diospyros Diospyros mespiliformis, Cylicodiscus gabunensis,
mespiliformis (African Ebony), Anogeissus leiocarpus, Manilkara spp (Table 2). Mimusops andongensis has a
Erythropleum ivorensis (Tali), Manilkara multinervis and lower internal friction (tan ) than African ebony used in
cabinet making, carving, turned items, wind instruments
Manilkara spp is a heavy wood with good natural

Am-Euras. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 22 (2): 79-88, 2022
83
Table 2: Physico-mechanical properties of some popular species according to the literature
Authors Anogeissus leiocarpus Diospyros mespiliformis Cylicodiscus gabunensis Manilkara spp.
Density (kg.m ) [39] 1, 150 ± 50
3
[40] 1, 150
[32] 900 ± 60 910 ± 100
[41] 1, 100
[34] 950
[42] Sapwood (770-890)
Heartwood (1, 160-1,230)
[37] 870-950
[36] 1, 058-1, 140
[45] 900-1, 150
Modulus of elasticity (MPa) [39] 17, 512 ± 8, 009
[40] 10, 117
[32] 15, 500 ± 3500 22,260 ± 3,348
[33] 17, 680-23, 9200
[34] 16, 600
[37] 10, 800-19, 600
[36] 16, 758-25, 650
[35] 17, 271 ± 2253
Tangential shrinkage (%) [29] 6.57 ± 0.14 6.59 ± 0.128
[32] 11.0 ± 0.5 7.9 ± 1.0
Radial shrinkage (%) [29] 6.18 ± 0.12 4.77 ± 0.136
[32] 7.0 ± 0.2 5.8 ± 0.6
Shrinkage anisotropy [29] 1.26 ± 0.04
[32] 1.6 1.4
Volume shrinkage (%) [29] 14.71 ± 0.25 11.39 ± 0.271
[39] 9.17 ± 3.64
both construction and instrument making [32, 33]. Possible Uses of Mimusops andongensis: Since the
Mimusops andongensis has good specific stiffness better
than African ebony but lower than Tali. African Ebony
wood with its specific stiffness of 17 GPa and internal
friction of 0.81 10 , Tali with its specific stiffness of
2
about 21 GPa and internal friction of 0.97 10 [32] remain
2
more dissipative of vibrational energy by internal friction
than Mimusops andongensis wood.
Dimensional changes below the fibers saturation
point FSP affect the stability of wood products [43].
Shrinkage anisotropy is a major determinant of wood
quality. Too high a value of this variable can lead to
distortion or splitting [44]. The shrinkage anisotropy of
Mimusops andongensis of 1.53 is lower than those of
class 4 species such as Tali and African ebony which
have anisotropy of 1.6. The propensity for deformation
(distortion or splitting) of Mimusops andongensis is low.
Volume shrinkage of Diospyros mespiliformis (Table 2)
and Erythrophleum ivorensis (Tali) whose transverse
linear shrinkage are R (8.4 ±1.2) %; R (5.1 ± 1.4) % [32]
TR
have higher shrinkage coefficients than Mimusops
andongensis. Mimusops andongensis, due to its
shrinkage anisotropy, will deform less than Tali but
slightly more than Anogeissus leiocarpus from Benin and
almost in the same range as African Ebony and
Cylicodiscus gabunensis.
values of the different properties of a wood species
depend on age, ecology or heredity [32, 46], it is certain
that there are woods of Mimusops andongensis with
better characteristics than the one in this study. As it is
and taking into account the good technological properties
of Mimusops andongensis similar in some cases and
better in others to those of the previously mentioned
species, its wood would have broadly similar applications.
Its character as a heavy wood having been proven, its use
in forestry and for fishing, construction, in dugouts, axe
handles and carving, charcoal production and as energy
wood [11, 16, 17] is well confirmed. The good values of
the characteristics obtained compared to those of highly
valued species such as teak, African ebony, veneer and
iroko and species with high technological value, above,
sufficiently prove its very good potential to be used in
heavy and light constructions as noted by Lemmens who
reports its use in construction [15]. It is, at the present
stage, very likely to be used in structural works as the
highly prized species and species of class of use 4 or 5.
The distortion and splitting of this wood is less than that
of Tali, but almost of the same range as African Ebony
and Cylicodiscus gabunensis. However, its wood warps
slightly more than Anogeissus leiocarpus from Benin.

Am-Euras. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 22 (2): 79-88, 2022
84
Its dark pink to red colored texture, high density and Also, for the vibrational properties of wood, a
modulus, good specific rigidity and low damping
coefficient also suggest it to be a good resonance wood
in instrument making or in auditorium and concert hall
construction [47]. Its overall medium shrinkage and low
shrinkage anisotropy reassures that it has good potential
for use in various sculptures and construction in high
moisture gradient environments.
But what is the influence of humidity on the
characteristics of its wood and what are the great
opportunities of its real use?
The Influence of Moisture on the Physical, Mechanical
and Vibratory Properties of Wood: As Mimusops
andongensis is already used in traditional structures in
contact with the ground or water or on piles in a humid
environment, it is useful to study the effect of water on its
physical-mechanical parameters. Indeed, humidity can
generate transient or permanent modifications of the
properties of the wood material. Moisture variation can
generate transient gradients in water content that with the
wood piece will induce internal stresses [48].
The density of wood has a positive influence on the
shear strength of tropical hardwoods [49] and on other
mechanical properties such as modulus of elasticity [23].
The increase in moisture content leads to a decrease in
specific density and mechanical properties [50]. All
mechanical properties of wood grow with decreasing
moisture content below the fiber saturation point (FSP)
approximately at 30 % moisture content [51- 53]. The
modulus of elasticity decreases with relative humidity and
the modulus of rupture reache a maximum at 54.3 % RH or
8 - 9 % moisture content and then decreases with relative
humidity thereafter [54]. The overall decreasing trend
observed for the elastic modulus was also obtained by
Gerhards [51]. Obataya et al. [50] reported on Sitka spruce
(Picea sitchensis) wood that the modulus of elasticity
drops overall with increasing moisture content and the
loss of modulus of elasticity can be about 20 % between
0 and 30 % moisture content and about 15 % between
12 % and 30 % moisture content. Microscopic study of
microfibrils, vessels and cells of wood of the same species
confirmed the above dual trends for several quantities:
specific gravity, modulus of elasticity and shear modulus
have the same trends and internal friction an opposite
trend [50]. According to the same study, from 9.6 % of
moisture content onwards, an overall decreasing trend is
observed for the modulus of elasticity and the shear
modulus.
decreasing trend in specific stiffness E/ and a growth in
internal friction tan are observed as the equilibrium water
content increases [50]. However, the degree of influence
of moisture content differs in the orthotopic directions
(L, R, T) of the wood [55]. There are values of water
content for which the internal friction is minimal [50, 53].
Outside of this minimum, internal friction increases as the
moisture content drops to zero or above the fiber
saturation point [53]. The moisture content for which
internal friction is minimal varies with temperature [53].
The higher the temperature, the more minimal the water
content value and tends to zero [53]. Obataya et al. [50]
also noted that internal friction increases from 0 to 1 %
moisture content, decreases from 1 to 6 % moisture
content and then increases again from 6 to 30 % moisture
content. For the last phase of growth, the internal friction
varies from 5.5 10 to about 9.7 10 or about 75 %.
33
According to the same authors, on the basis of a
microscopic study of the cells, fibrils and vessels of Picea
sitchensis wood, the internal friction increases as the
moisture content of the wood increases from 9.6 %
moisture content.
Generally high shrinkage is associated with high
densities. The size and shape of the wood piece can
influence the shrinkage, as can the degree of drying,
which can affect the shrinkage for some wood species
[53]. With moisture variation, the relationship between
moisture content and shrinkage is not linear, but overall,
shrinkage decreases as moisture content increases.
Above the FPL, no wood undergoes dimensional
deformation, so it is clear that Mimusops andongensis can
withstand the wet environment although its mechanical
characteristics will decrease if it is completely wet.
Referring to the study of Obataya et al. [50] on
Picaea sitchensis, its use in a humid environment could
generate, in the critical case, a loss of mechanical
characteristics, in particular, of the modulus of elasticity
of only 15 to 20 %. In this range of loss of mechanical
characteristics, the average modulus of elasticity would
be in equal variation between 14, 776 and 15, 700 MPa
bringing the Mimusops andongensis pile in the woods of
medium modulus (MOE < 15,000 MPa) or heavy modulus
(MOE > 15,000 MPa) [27]. Such characteristics, cumulated
with the other characteristics in the same range of
variation in a situation of humidity or shrinkage-swelling
would be limited [53], Mimusops andongensis would make
a species very appreciated in terrestrial constructions as
in situations of high stress as in wetlands, lacustrine or in
contact with water. Its natural habitat of wetlands and
riparian forest [15] would be of these assets.

Am-Euras. J. Agric. & Environ. Sci., 22 (2): 79-88, 2022
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It is to be hoped that following this work, studies of REFERENCES
natural durability, behaviour at different moisture
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mineral salts specific to our aquatic and marine
environments will be carried out to confirm its average
shrinkage, its high modulus and its character as a heavy
or even very heavy wood due to its density.
CONCLUSIONS
The study of the physico-mechanical and acoustic
characteristics of Mimusops andongensis with respect to
the characteristics of prized species or woods of high
technological value in Benin such as Tali, African Ebony,
Cylicodiscus gabunensis, Anogeissus leiocarpus,
Manilkara multinervis reveals its high potential because
of its high technological characteristics.
Mimusops andongensis wood, previously unknown
technologically, is a heavy wood with high modulus and
low tangential shrinkage, volume shrinkage and radial
shrinkage overall. This wood has low shrinkage
anisotropy with a high mechanical stiffness for a very low
vibration energy dissipation. It is a heavy or even very
heavy wood due to its density which even in a humid
environment would have a maximum loss of 20%. Such a
loss would still guarantee good technological properties.
These properties of Mimusops andongensis show its
good potential in structural works in both dry and wet
environments. It is to be wished studies of durability,
thermal behaviour and preservation treatment to complete
its technological characteristics. It would also be
advisable to further explore the ecology and silviculture
of the species to work on its domestication as a guarantee
of a planned multifunctional Mimusops andongensis.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To the Direction Générale des Eaux, Forêts et
Chasses (DGEFC) and the Office National des Bois
(ONAB) of Benin for agreeing to allow the cutting of
the Mimusops andongensis sample for the test.
To the Agence Nationale de Promotion des
Patrimoines et de Développement du Tourisme of
Benin and its Director General.
To Mr. Akouta, President of the interprofessional
association of the wood sector for the
accompaniment in the research of the Mimusops
andongensis and the species with strong
technological potentiality marketed in Benin.
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