Philippine Journal of Science
150 (6A): 1437-1450, December 2021
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 27 Apr 2021
Assessing the Utilization of Young Falcata
[Falcataria moluccana (Miq.) Barneby & J.W. Grimes]
for Veneer Production
Marina A. Alipon1*, Elvina O. Bondad1, Carl Anthony A. Lantican1,
Dennis M. Gilbero2, and Juanito P. Jimenez Jr.1
1Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI)
Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
2Forest and Wetland Research, Development, and Extension Center
Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB)
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
Bislig City 8311 Surigao del Sur, Philippines
*Corresponding author: marina.alipon@fprdi.dost.gov.ph
ABSTRACT
This paper presents the mechanical properties, veneer recovery including the cost benefits, of 3-, 5-, and 7-yr-old falcata [Falcataria moluccana (Miq.) Barneby & J. W. Grimes] for veneer production. Mechanical properties covered modulus of rupture (MOR), stress at the proportional limit, and modulus of elasticity (MOE) in static bending; compression paralleland perpendicular-to-grain; shear; and hardness and toughness. The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of age on these properties and the cost-benefits of converting the species at different ages, and to recommend the optimum age and price for the utilization of the species for veneer production. The experimental materials consisted of six plus-size trees each per age from superior seeds of known origin in Caraga, Philippines. Standard procedures for testing the strength properties of timber (ASTM D143-14) were followed. Veneering was conducted using a spindleless lathe with a fixed setting for each designated veneer thickness output. Gross veneer recovery was 52% for both 3- and 5-yr-olds and 55% for the 7-yr-old. Net recovery, on the other hand, was 46% for the 3- and 5-yr-olds while 49% for the 7-yr-old. Utilizing falcata trees as young as 3-yr-old can generate positive cash flows for veneering plants, making it a worthwhile investment. However, from the perspective of falcata farmers and plantation owners, selling at 3-yr-old would be unfavorable considering the low selling price.