Forest Research: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Effect of Air Drying, Solar-Assisted Air Drying and Sticker Thickness on Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) Wood

ElAmin EE and Mahmoud AE

This study was conducted at Elfaid Um Abdalla saw-mill in Southern Kordofan State to improve Mahogany timber quality by improving air drying process. 6.25 cm thickness lumber boards of 210 cm length were prepared and stacked using three thicknesses of stickers (2.5, 3.75, 5 cm) and replicated three times for each sticker under shade and under direct sun light. This was done to determine the effect of stickers and shading on drying rate and magnitude of defects that occurred during the drying process. Moisture loss was recorded every two days by weighting sample boards inserted in the center side of each stack. Data analysis was done using JMP statistical package. The study showed that there was no effect of the three kinds of stickers and shading on moisture loss during the drying process, while there was effect of shading and stickers on number of defects that are caused with the drying process. The study recommends using 2.5 cm sticker thickness and shading to decrease defects that are caused by drying.