TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SAXAUL WOOD IN IRAN (KERMAN PROVINCE)

To study saxaul wood properties in the various ecological regions of Iran twelve 10-22 years old sample trees (4 trees from each species) were selected and cut from three different areas around kerman. Physical, chemical and anatomical characteristics of wood samples were investigated. The results of this investigation revealed that the initial moisture content before felling was 38.6% and the mean specific gravity based on oven dry weight and oven dry volume (WOD/VOD), oven dry and saturated weight Saxaul saturated volume (WOD/Vs ,WS/VS ), were studied for yellow, white and black and respectively. It is concluded that saxaul wood of Kerman province is heavy. The average longitudinal, radial and tangential shrinkage were surveyed. Wood periodicity of growth was determined to be 3-4 rings per year. Anatomical features were investigated by light microscopy and papermaking factors were determined. Fiber length, fiber diameter and lumen diameter were determined. These values lead to species with short and thick fibers. Chemical composition including percentage of cellulose, lignin, extractives and ash were revealed too.