Keranji

The timber is a Heavy Hardwood with a density of755-1250 kg/mair dry. Keranji is classified as moderately durable

Other name: Xoay

The Standard Malaysian Name for the timber ofDialium spp. (Leguminosae). Vernacular names applied include keranji (Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak) with various epithets. Major species include D. indum, D. platysepalum, D. procerum and D. kunstleri. The sapwood is white to yellowish white, becomes light brown on exposure and is very distinct from the heartwood, which is golden brown or red-brown and darkens on exposure.

Also known as Kayi-khao and Yi-thongbung (Thailand); Kedjongong, Kerandji, Kerandji asap, Keranji and Nyamut(Indonesia); Keranji (Brunei); Kheng and Mai kheem pheep(Laos); Khleng (Thailand); Kralanh and Kralanh lomie (Cambodia); Taung-kaye (Myanmar); Xoay (Vietnam).

AIR DRYING

The timber seasons fairly slowly with slight degrade, like cupping, bowing, twisting, splitting, surface-checking as well as insect and fungal attacks on the sapwood. The timber is also moderately prone to end-checking. 13 mm thick boards take approximately 2 months to air dry, while 38 mm thick boards take 6 months.

KILN-DRYING

Kiln Schedule E is recommended. The timber is prone to surface-checking and end-splitting. 25 mm thick boards take approximately 10 days to kiln-dry from 50 to 10% moisture content.

Kiln Schedule E

 

Moisture Content (%)

 

Temperature (Dry-bulb)

 

Temperature (Wet-bulb)

 

Relative Humidity (%) (approx.)

 

° F

 

° C

 

° F

 

° C

Green

120

48.5

115

46.0

85

60

120

48.5

113

45.0

80

40

125

51.5

116

46.5

75

30

130

54.5

117

47.0

65

25

140

60.0

120

49.0

55

20

155

68.0

127

53.0

45

15

170

76.5

136

58.0

40

SHRINKAGE

Shrinkage is variable, depending on species. D. platysepalum shows high shrinkage with radial shrinkage averages 2.3% and tangential shrinkage averages 3.7%.D. wallichii shows rather low shrinkage in that radial shrinkage averages only 1% and tangential shrinkage averages 1.7%.