Abstract

Anatomical characteristics, physical, mechanical and thermal properties of coconut trunks with two different ages and sizes were investigated aiming to evaluate its suitability to be used as raw material for cross laminated timber (CLT) production. At a given relative radius, fractions of fiber cell in all trunks were roughly similar but with slightly different densities. Each property appeared to fall into a single master curve with respect to density regardless of the trunk's age and size. At a certain density, coconut wood had equivalent or superior dimensional stability, mechanical and insulation properties compared with structural timbers used in CLT panel.