Ash wood properties and uses

Ash wood is valuable and in its performance characteristics is close to oak, and in some respects even surpasses it. In the old days, ash was used to create bows and arrows, today the material is in demand in furniture and aircraft construction. Moreover, it is valued no less than expensive mahogany.

Ash is distinguished by a strong, but at the same time elastic structure of wood. There are few core rays - their number does not exceed 15% of the total volume, respectively, ash is difficult to split. High viscosity makes manual wood processing impossible. By nature, the material has a beautiful pattern and a pleasant shade, any coloring and staining impairs its appearance. The physical parameters of ash are quite high.

• Strength. The tensile strength, measured when stretched along the fiber line, is approximately 1200-1250 kgf / cm2, across - only 60 kgf / cm2.
• Thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity parameter of heat-treated ash wood corresponds to 0.20 Kcal / m x h x C. - this is 20% lower than that of untreated wood. The reduced thermal conductivity in combination with exceptional density indicates the ability of the material to retain heat; it is no coincidence that ash is often used for installing a "warm floor" system.
• Density. The density of late ash wood is 2-3 times higher than that of the early one. This parameter is greatly influenced by the natural moisture content of the tree. So, the optimal density of a material with a moisture content of 10-12% starts from 650 kg / m3, and the highest indicator corresponds to 750 kg / m3.
• Natural moisture. Due to its high density, ash wood has a much lower water absorption than, for example, pine. Therefore, in a freshly cut tree, the level of natural moisture usually corresponds to 35%, and in Manchu it even reaches 78%.
• Hygroscopicity. Lumber does not actively absorb external moisture. However, in a humid environment, the saturation limit may be exceeded. In this case, the material begins to warp and deform, therefore hard ash is not suitable for interior decoration of rooms with high humidity (pools and saunas).
• Hardness. The density of ash wood at a moisture level of 10-12% is 650-750 kg / m3. The end hardness of ash is 78.3 N / mm2. This material belongs to the category of heavy and extra tough, which makes it possible to make large-scale architectural compositions out of it. Despite its exceptional density, ash wood is quite viscous and resilient. After drying, the surface texture remains decorative. The kernel is light, sapwood usually with a yellowish or pinkish tint.
• Flammability. The fire of this type of wood occurs when heated from 400 to 630 degrees. When the temperature is significantly exceeded, conditions are created for the formation of coal and ash. The highest heat output for wood is 87% - it is possible when heated to 1044 degrees. Under the influence of elevated temperatures, ash wood loses its hemicellulose in full. This eliminates the risk of pathogenic microorganisms and mold. Heat treatment significantly changes the molecular composition of ash lumber, it becomes maximally protected from warpage and deformation. Heat-treated lumber has a uniform shade from pale beige to dark brown.This material has found wide application in outdoor construction, in particular, for finishing balconies, loggias and terraces. Heat-treated ash has undeniable advantages: environmental safety, durability, decorative appearance.

In total, about 70 varieties of ash grow on Earth, all of them are used by humans. This tree can be found on every continent, and everywhere it belongs to the category of valuable species. Four types of ash have become widespread in Russia.

Such a tree rarely grows to a height of 40 meters, most often it does not exceed 25-30 m. In a young tree, the bark is grayish-green, in an adult it becomes dark gray and covered with small cracks. The structure of the wood is ring-vascular, the core is brownish-buffy. The sapwood is very wide, with a pronounced yellowish tint. The kernel passes into the sapwood smoothly, but at the same time unevenly. In early wood, large vessels are visible, annual rings are even visible. Mature wood is darker and denser than early wood.

It can be found in the southern part of Russia, as well as in the North Caucasus, in Asian countries and in North America. This ash cannot be called a giant - its maximum height is 30 m, the bark is rather dark in color, the leaves are palm-shaped, and when touched, they emit a pungent odor. Chinese ash wood is strong, very hard and resilient.

The tree is found in Korea, China and Japan. On the territory of our country, it grows on Sakhalin, in the Amur Region and the Khabarovsk Territory. Such wood is slightly darker than that of ordinary ash - in color it is more like a nut. The brown core occupies up to 90% of the area. The sapwood is buffy, narrow.

The shortest type of ash - such a tree does not grow higher than 20 m. The crown is spreading, young shoots are felt. Ash can grow and develop even in places where the land is very humid - in flooded floodplains and along the banks of water bodies. Belongs to the category of frost-resistant crops. The wood has an impressive density and a high level of natural moisture.

Ash wood is characterized by resistance to any biological influences. In terms of rigidity, strength, saturation of shades and a variety of textures, it is in no way inferior to oak, and even surpasses it in its ability to hold fasteners, resistance to warpage and viscosity. This led to the demand for the material in the production of handrails, stairs, window frames, all kinds of floor coverings. Ash is used to make lining, block house, imitation of timber and other building materials. In addition, ash wood is ideal for veneer veneers as well as carved furniture.

Since this lumber bends well and does not give flakes, it can be used to make all kinds of sports equipment - hockey sticks, rackets, baseball bats and oars. In earlier years, ash was often used to make kitchen utensils, since this tree does not have any taste. For the construction of children's playgrounds in order to increase their safety, this material is usually preferred. Rides, ladders and slides made of high quality ash are not prone to cracking, so it is difficult to get splinters in them. In addition, they retain their functional characteristics and original appearance for a long time.

One of the advantages of ash is the optimal balance of strength and pressure. It is no coincidence that in most gyms, homes and offices, flooring from this material is in wide demand. There are no traces of the legs on it, and when a heavy angular object falls, the surface retains its integrity.Ash is indispensable as flooring in places with high humidity and high traffic. Beams are made of ash - they are so elastic that they can withstand much greater loads than any other wood species.