Compatibility of Eight Temperate Australian Eucalyptus Species with Portland Cement

摘要

Wood samples of eight temperate Eucalyptus species grown at two sites in south-eastern Australia were tested for their compatibility with Portland cement to assess their suitability for the manufacture of cement-bonded composites. The species were chosen for their performance in growth trials and good potential for commercial establishment on farms. Species varied significantly in their compatibility with cement, with E. badgensis having the highest compatibility. The site at which trees were grown also significantly affected wood-cement compatibility, probably because trees at the two sites contained different amounts of sapwood. High sapwood content decreased average compatibility with cement. Soaking of wood in water at ambient temperature for 24 h was sufficient to remove much of the soluble extractive material responsible for inhibiting cement hydration. The wood―cement compatibility and use of other eucalypt wood species for cement-bonded composites are discussed.