Selected Physical-Mechanical Properties of Eastern Tree Barks

Knowledge of the physical and mechanical properties can greatly enhance the utilization potential of bark. In this paper, data for 19 eastern tree barks on density, shrinkage, toughness, hardness, and tensile, compressive, and shear strength are presented. Bark exhibits much less anisotropy than wood, and the periderm layers, particularly in the pines, are important in mechanical failures. Bark is variable in properties; this variability apparently is due to both structure and deterioration. Bark specimens used in this study came from Michigan, Georgia, and Virginia. All mechanical tests were conducted on specimens with a moisture content between 7 and 12 percent. Since bark, at least for eastern tree species, is available only in small pieces, ASTM standard D143-52 for small clear timber specimens could not be used without modification. In general, devices for testing were scaled down to accommodate the smaller specimens.

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