Browsing by Author "Makonda, F.B.S"

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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.
Variation of basic density and fibre length in lonchocarpus Capassa (rolfe) wood from Kilosa district, Tanzania
(Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 2016) Kayumba, I; Iddi, S; Augustino, S; Makonda, F.B.S
Within tree radial and axial variations of wood basic density and fibre length of Lonchocarpus capassa (Rolfe) were investigated using three mature defect free trees from Kilosa District, Tanzania. Samples for determination of wood basic density and fibre length were collected from the butt, the middle and the tip of the stem height and six radial positions. Wood basic density and fibre length were determined following standard procedures. The average wood basic density and fibre length were 569.3 kg m -3 and 1.38 mm, respectively. Statistical analysis indicated that stem height and radial positions had significant effect on wood density and fibre length. There was no positive linear relationship between wood basic density and fibre length. Based on density, the wood of L. capassa is heavy and is more or less comparable to that of Khaya anthotheca. The two species can therefore be used exchangeably if wood density is the only pre-requisite. Normally, heavy timbers are suitable for wood fuel from their high calorific values. The fibres of L. capassa are longer than those of the commonly used species in pulp and paper production in Tanzania, showing the potential of L. capassa for being used in pulp and paper making.