Browsing by Author "Kitojo, D.H"

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Comparison of dimensional stability of particle boards Manufactured in Tanzania and those imported from South Africa
(2004) Gillah, P.R; Ishengoma, R.C; Deogratias, J; Kitojo, D.H
Dimensional stability properties of particleboard from Tembo Chipboard Ltd, located in Tanga, Tanzania and of those imported from South Africa were determined and compared. A total of 64 test samples, 32 from Tembo Chipboard Ltd and 32 from South Africa chipboard cut randomly from boards were used for the study. Prior to the determination of the dimensional stability, moisture content and basic density of boards were determined in accordance to EN 322 and EN 323 standards respectively. Determination of dimensional stability was based on water soak test, according to EN 317 standard. From the results, the basic densities of particleboard from Tembo Chipboard Ltd and those from South Africa were very similar at 687 and 671 kg/m3 respectively. Similarities in basic densities allowed for comparison of other properties. Thickness swelling and water absorption values of chipboards from Tembo Chipboard Ltd and S. Africa increased with increase in water immersion period. Comparatively, boards from Tembo Chipboard Ltd had lower thickness swelling and water absorption than boards from South Africa. Furthermore, less board damage due to water immersion was demonstrated by boards from Tembo Chipboard Ltd than those from S. Africa due to their low irreversible thickness swelling. The particleboards from Tembo Chipboard Ltd are more dimensionally stable than similar boards from S. Africa.
Potentials of lesser known and lesser utilized indigenous agroforestry Timbers in Kilosa district, Morogoro Tanzania
(2015) Makonda, F.B.S.; Augustino, S; Gillah, P.R; Ishengoma, R.C; Kitojo, D.H; Ruffo, C; Eriksen, S; Msanga, H.P
The paper presents baseline results of gathered important information for inference in establishing optimal production and utilization of Lesser-known (LK) and Lesser-utilized (LU) indigenous agro- forestry timber species (IAGTS) in improving incomes of rural communities in Kilosa District. The main key questions were: what are the characteristics of the sites for establishing LK and LU IAGTS; who are the main actors in establishing LK and LU IAGTS; what are LK and LU IAGTS and other species for establishment in the study area and what are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for establishing LK and LU IAGTS in the study area. Data collection was participatory, involving key stakeholders, participants’ observations and literature surveys. A total of eight villages were identified as potential sites for nursery establishment with seven main actors’ mostly local communities engaged in tree planting activities under associations. Five priority LK and LU IAGTS were identified and selected for nursery establishment. These were: Lonchocarpus capassa (Mfumbili), Sclerocarya birrea (Mng’ongo), Vitex doniana (Mfudu), Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia (Msolo) and Combretum zeyheri (Mlama mweupe). The strengths and opportunities favouring the establishment of LK and LU IAGTS nurseries were identified, with a few weaknesses and threats which needed to be worked upon.
Properties of manilkara discolor (sond.) Hemsl.): A lesser–known Timber species from kilindi district Tanzania
(2009) Gillah, P.R; Makonda, F.B.S; Kitojo, D.H; Ishengoma, R.C; Ussiri, N.E
This work was conducted to determine some physical and mechanical properties of Manilkara discolor, a lesser-known and lesser-utilized timber species from Kilindi District Tanzania. Three large trees free from visible defects were selected, felled and small sample pieces of 20 mm x 20 mm x 60 mm for compression, 20 mm x 20 mm x 20 mm for shear, 20 mm x 20 mm x 45 mm for cleavage and 20 mm x 20 mm x 300 mm for static bending, comprising 72 pieces for each test were prepared. The sample pieces were tested in laboratory using standard methods. The wood was brownish and attractive, fine textured with appealing figure and attaining good finish when plained. The results showed the species to have wood basic Density of 765 kg m -3 , Modulus of Elasticity of 14,341 N mm -2 , Modulus of Rupture of 119.48 Nmm -2 , Work to Maximum Load of 0.132 mm Nmm -2 and Work to Total Fracture of 0.284 mm Nmm -2 . The Compression parallel to grain was 41.69 Nmm -2 , Shear parallel to grain was 18.65 Nmm -2 and Cleavage Strength was 34.97 Nmm -2 . Manilkara discolor wood was found to have desirable values and can be used to substitute other species which are currently in danger of over-exploitation.