This research aimed to characterize the physic-mechanical properties of the canafístula wood (Peltophorum dubium (Spreng.) Taub.) from 10 years' old trees. There was determined the specific gravity, shrinkage, modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture in static bending, modulus of elasticity in compression perpendicular to the grain, compression strength parallel to the grain, hardness, shear and impact resistance. Specific gravity and shrinkage determination were conducted according to COPANT 30:1:004 (1971) and 30:1-005 (1971), respectively, and the mechanical tests followed ASTM D 143-94 (2000) and NF B51-009 (1942). The specific gravity and the ratio of tangential to radial shrinkage observed, ranked the wood as light and moderately stable, respectively, since the average values of mechanical properties classified the wood as weak to average strength. The technological characteristics observed indicate that when the wood is originated from short rotation plantation, it should be used with caution in situation which requires high dimensional stability and mechanical strength, suggesting the need of older trees.
specific gravity; shrinkage; mechanical properties
