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Physico-chemical and mechanical characterisation of the bark of selected Ficus species growing in Uganda

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Abstract

In this study, the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of three Ficus species growing in Uganda were determined. Basic density and water absorption rate were (0.33 g/cm3, 134) in Ficus natalensis, (0.32 g/cm3, 137) in Ficus thonningii and (0.28 g/cm3, 145) in Ficus glumosa, respectively. Lignin content and tensile strength were highest in the bark of F. natalensis, and lowest in F. glumosa while cellulose content was highest in the bark of F. glumosa and lowest in F. natalensis. Based on the results, the bark is not suitable for use in industries such as paper manufacturing, where lignin is undesirable, but it can be used in manufacture of dyes and adhesives.

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Acknowledgments

The study is an output from a project (Grant No. 105359-005) which was funded by the Canadian International Development Research Council (IDRC). Deborah Wendiro is specially acknowledged and thanked for the guidance and giving direction to the project. Alex Wacco of Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) Microbiology Unit is appreciated for his technical contribution while carrying out sample testing in the laboratory.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Forestry Resources Research Institute (NaFORRI), National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), P.O. Box 1752, Kampala, Uganda

    Christine Mwanja

  2. Department of Forestry, Biodiversity and Tourism, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda

    Paul Mugabi & Abwoli Y. Banana

Authors
  1. Christine Mwanja
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  2. Paul Mugabi
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  3. Abwoli Y. Banana
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Correspondence to Christine Mwanja.

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Mwanja, C., Mugabi, P. & Banana, A.Y. Physico-chemical and mechanical characterisation of the bark of selected Ficus species growing in Uganda. Eur. J. Wood Prod. 74, 767–769 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00107-016-1068-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00107-016-1068-4

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