Empirical investigations on the wood quality assessment of five tropical species for industrial use

Four species and one hybrid: Khaya senegalensis, Melia dubia, Chukrasia tabularis, Toona ciliata, and an Acacia hybrid were assessed for their physical, chemical, and thermo-chemical properties. Khaya senegalensis had the highest density (665.74 kg/m³), while M. dubia exhibited the highest recovery rate (80%). Melia dubia had the highest holocellulose content (75.50%), while lignin content in K. senegalensis was 28.60%. Caloric value (4380.20 kcal) was highest in Chukrasia tabularis while the fixed carbon (15.87%) content reached a maximum for K. senegalensis. The findings suggest that K. senegalensis and M. dubia are promising species for plywood, pulp, and energy applications.