This document summarizes research on measuring the mechanical properties of black ash (Fraxinus nigra) grown in Northwestern Ontario for use in value-added forest products. Key findings include: 1) Site significantly impacted properties like modulus of elasticity. 2) Wood showed consistent radial and longitudinal trends with little variation. 3) Properties were homogenous within stems, showing potential for predictive models. The research aims to increase utilization of underused black ash through understanding its properties for products like flooring.

1. Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Black Ash
(Fraxinus nigra M.) grown in Northwestern Ontario
for use in Value Added Forest Products
Brent Forbes
Dr. Mathew Leitch
Dr. Chander Shahi
Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario

2. Black Ash
• Fraxinus nigra Marsh.
• Slow growing hardwood
– Wetland or mesic Sites
• .4% of provincial growing stock
– 20 million cu/m3 across the
province
• Flooring, mouldings, furniture,
handles, novelties

3. Ontario’s Forest Sector
• Vital component of the Canadian economy
– Province’s largest industry; $15 billion
• Economic downturn over the last decade
– 40 manufacturing facilities closed
• Worldwide demand for
forest products is
steadily increasing
• Become more competitive,
capitalize on emerging
markets and utilize
Northwestern Ontario's
vast wood supply

4. Research Objective
• Identification of underutilized species with potential for
development and increased marketing potential
• Complete understanding of the variation in physical and
mechanical properties of these species in Northwestern Ontario
• How this knowledge can be applied to end use attributes in
valued added manufacturing

5. Methodology

6. Sample Preparation

7. Property Testing
• Modulus of Elasticity
• Modulus of Rupture
• Specific Gravity
• Janka Ball Hardness
• Compression Parallel to Grain
• X-Ray Densitometry
• Growth Rate

8. Methodology
1. Juvenile core
2. Juvenile and
mature transition
3. Heartwood and
sapwood 100
4. Outer sapwood
75
juvenile wood
1 2 3 4 50
25
Zones of Zones of Zones of Wood
radial longitudinal mature & property
similarity similarity juvenile wood mapping

9. Results – Modulus of Elasticity
4
• 4,912 to 11,899
3
Mpa
• 8,307 Mpa average 2
1 2 3 4
• 3 distinct sites
1
• Longitudinal
subsets

10. Results – Modulus of Rupture
4
• 48 to 114 Mpa
3
• 87 Mpa average
2
• 3 distinct sites
• Little variation in 1
either direction

11. Results – Relative Density 12%
4
• 546 to 753
3
• 650 average
2
• 2 subsets of sites
1 2 3 4
• Consistent trends 1

12. Results – Janka Ball Side Hardness
4
• 1,544 N to 7677 N; 5410 N Average
3
• 2 subsets of sites
2
• Insignificant radial variation 1 1 22 3 4
3 4
• Homogenous subsets within stem 1
• Consistent longitudinal trends

13. Key Findings
• Site was significant for each of the selected
properties
– 3 distinct sites or 2 subsets
– Prediction of properties based on site characteristics
• Consistent radial trends with little variation
– No change from heartwood to sapwood, juvenile to
mature
– Large heartwood area with consistent properties
• Little variation in longitudinal bolts
– Consistent properties from stump to crown
– First bolt shows potential for increased properties
• Homogenous wood properties with potential for
predictive models

14. Utilization Potential
• Inherent properties and underutilized
nature of black ash make it desirable for
many products
• Growth rate plays a significant role in the
inherent properties
– Earlywood to latewood ratio
– Faster growth results in higher wood
properties
– Potential for increased utilization in shorter
time frames
• Higher hardness values then any species
in the region provides potential for value
added flooring

15. Future Research
• Completion of detailed property maps for
black ash stems
• Stand attribute data
• Provide the value and quality of
black ash stands, not just volume
• Understanding of potential yields,
products and markets with a focus on
smaller, value adding businesses in
Northwestern Ontario

16. I would like to acknowledge the following:
• Lakehead University Wood Science and Testing Facility
• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
• Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation
• FedNor and the Northern Ontario Development Program