Sample 2

2.  Although it had been used on a small scale before, its
use for furniture making has become more common
recently with the development of chemical treatments
to protect the wood against fungal and insect attacks.
The earlier practice was to burn the tree at the end of
its latex-producing cycle.
 In the 1980s, the development of chemical treatment
processes allowed the wood to be more widely used
for furniture making and frames.
HISTORY

3. Rubberwood is a light-colored medium-
density tropical hardwood obtained from
the Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis).
Rubberwood is "environmentally friendly"
wood, as it makes use of plantation trees
that have already served a useful
function.
NATURE
&EXISTENCE

4. Scientific Name: Hevea brasiliensis
Distribution: Native to Brazil, but extensively cultivated in
tropical regions, especially in Asia
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .49, .59
Janka Hardness: 960 lbf (4,280 N)
Modulus of Rupture: 10,420 lbf/in2 (71.9 MPa)
Elastic Modulus: 1,314,000lbf/in2 (9.07 GPa)
Crushing Strength: 6,110 lbf/in2 (42.1 MPa)
Shrinkage: Radial: 2.3%, Tangential: 5.1%, Volumetric: 7.5%,
T/R Ratio: 2.2
CHARACTERISTICS

5.  Besides the standard health risks associated with
any type of wood dust, no further health reactions
have been associated with Rubberwood in particular.
However, individuals with natural latex or rubber
allergies may have reactions to Rubberwood.
 Besides that, Rubberwood is perishable and has very
little natural resistance to decay. It is susceptible to
fungal staining and insect attacks.
RISK RATE

6. This wood species is not listed in
the CITES Appendices or on the
IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species. And this is due to the
fact that Rubberwood lumber is
typically taken from rubber
plantations where the trees are
tapped for latex, and harvested
at the end of their useful life
cycle—typically after about thirty
IUCN RECOMMENDATION

7.  Furniture.
 Cabinetry.
 Interior millwork.
 Kitchen woodenware.
 Cutting boards.
 knife blocks.
 Other small, specialty wood
COMMON USES