Case Study of Anatomy, Physical and Mechanical Properties of the Sapwood and Heartwood of Random Tree Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco from South-Eastern Poland

Oriental arborvitae is not fully characterized in terms of its microscopic structure or physical mechanical properties. Moreover, there a lot contradictory information the literature about oriental arborvitae, especially structure. Therefore, sapwood (S) and heartwood (H) Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco from Central Europe were subjected to examinations. The presence helical thickenings was found earlywood tracheids (E). Latewood (L) by similar thickness radial tangential walls diameter direction zones. In case tracheids, such similarity only walls. volume swelling (VS) after reaching maximum moisture content (MMC) 12.8% (±0.5%) 11.2% (±0.5%), respectively. average velocity ultrasonic waves along fibers (?) for frequency 40 kHz 6% lower zone than zone. dynamic modulus elasticity (MOED) 8% These differences, both ? MOED, statistically significant. However, no significant differences static bending strength (MOR, approx. 90 MPa), at (MOE, 4800 compression parallel grain (CS, 47 MPa) relation wood (sapwood, heartwood).