American Balsa Wood
Categories: Wood and Natural Products; Wood; Hardwood
Material Notes: High buoyancy value, and good insulating value
Usual surface texture: Fine
Dimensional changes when dried lumber is subjected to variations in humidity during service: Small
Resistance to fungal decay (Heartwood in ground contact): Perishable (Under 5 years)
Resistance to penetration by preservatives: Resistant
Common Applications: Useful for heat sound and vibration insulation. Buoyancy aids
Key Words: Ochroma pyramidale; Lumber, Timber
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Physical PropertiesMetricEnglishComments
Specific Gravity 0.160 g/cc0.160 g/ccGreen
Density 0.160 g/cc0.00578 lb/in³15% Moisture Content. Density can vary by 20% or more.
 
Mechanical PropertiesMetricEnglishComments
Modulus of Rupture 0.0216 GPa3.13 ksiStatic Bending, 12% Moisture
Flexural Modulus 3.40 GPa493 ksiStatic Bending, 12% Moisture
Compressive Strength 14.9 MPa2160 psiParallel to Grain, 12% Moisture
Poissons Ratio 0.00900.0090µTL, 12% Moisture Content
 0.0180.018µRL, 12% Moisture Content
 0.2290.229µLR, 12% Moisture Content
 0.2310.231µTR, 12% Moisture Content
 0.4880.488µLT, 12% Moisture Content
 0.6650.665µRT, 12% Moisture Content
Machinability 100 %100 %Good Relative to Other Wood
Shear Strength 2.10 MPa305 psiParallel to Grain, 12% Moisture
Work to Maximum Load 0.0140 J/cm³2.03 in-lb/in³Static Bending, 12% Moisture
 
Thermal PropertiesMetricEnglishComments
Thermal Conductivity 0.0400 W/m-K0.278 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°Fat density of 0.11 g/cc; perpendicular
Shrinkage 3.0 %3.0 %Radial Shrinkage Green to Oven Dry
 7.6 %7.6 %Tangential Shrinkage Green to Oven Dry
 10.8 %10.8 %Volumetric Shrinkage Green to Oven Dry
 
Descriptive Properties
ColorWhiteUsual for heartwood

References for this datasheet.

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