Currently, flush doors are most widely used by the construction industries which are made from the combination of Solid wood and composite wood. Assessing the suitability of Melia dubia for flush doors opens up new opportunities in utilization of this species which is being grown by a large number of farmers. IPIRTI has carried out studies on optimization of process parameters for manufacturing of Block boards and Flush doors using the species and ascertaining the physical and mechanical properties of these products as per the Indian standards.
Block boards exhibited modulus of elasticity of 7446 N/ mm 2 and modulus of rupture was 58 7 N/mm 2 which were well above the required values as per the standards. Dimensional changes in block boards caused by humidity variations were also well below that set limits. Flush door exhibited all the parameters which were well within the prescribed limits as per IS 2202 1999. The doors were free from any cracking, tearing or delamination on impact indentation test and without any visible damage after slamming test.
Anatomical properties and mechanical properties of plywood from three clones of poplar and Melia Dubia logs were compared in a study by Dr Narasimhamurthy HOD Bilology IPIRTI and team. It was found that within poplar clones, G 48 clone exhibited superior properties compared to other two clones However, the mechanical properties, particularly modulus of rupture of the plywood from Melia Dubia was nearly 28 higher than the best performing poplar clones. Wood density was found to have a significant role in mechanical properties of the panels.
In a detailed study, six Melia dubia plantations raised at three locations namely Kolar, Hunsur and Kollegal in Karnataka state were evaluated for their growth and wood quality parameters, which is very important for plywood manufacturing.