Chemical, physical, and mechanical wood properties of Rhizophora mangle L., Avicennia germinans (L.) L., and Laguncularia racemosa (L.) C.F. Gaertn. on the Brazilian Amazon coast

Abstract Key message Wood of Laguncularia racemosa (L.) C.F. Gaertn. and Avicennia germinans (L.) L trees have similar chemical properties, while Rhizophora mangle L. is superior in physical-mechanical properties. It is highly suitable for charcoal production and civil construction. Context Wood from mangrove tree species has been widely used by traditional communities on the Amazon coast, although its chemical and physical-mechanical properties are unknown. Aims This study intends to assess the chemical and physical–mechanical properties of wood from mangrove trees and compare data obtained from the three most dominant species: R. mangle , A. germinans , and L. racemosa . Methods Chemical and physical-mechanical properties of wood were analyzed in five trees of each mangrove species, using standards ASTM D1107-21, ASTM D1106-21, ASTM D1102-84, ASTM D2395-17, and ASTM D143/2014. Results Among the chemical properties, A. germinans presented the highest values for ash, R. mangle for lignin and holocellulose, and L. racemosa for total extractives. Of the physical properties, R. mangle presents high values of basic density, tangential contraction, volumetric variation, and anisotropy coefficient, while A. germinans high values of radial contraction. Conclusion Higher-quality chemical properties present advantages in natural durability and resistance to xylophagous for A. germinans and L. racemosa , while higher lignin has better mechanical resistance for R. mangle and holocellulose and better charcoal production for L. racemosa . Such information is the basis for management in mangroves due to the multiple uses of mangrove wood and deforestation intensity in mangrove forests.