The timber is a Heavy Hardwood with a density of915-980 kg/m3 air dry. The timber is classified as naturally durable and is normally very resistant to termite attack and fungal infestation
The Standard Malaysian Name for the timber ofNeobalanocarpus heimii (Dipterocarpaceae). Vernacular names applied include penak (Peninsular Malaysia). The name chengal is so popular, that many other species have been given vernacular names bearing the name chengal. Neobalanocarpus is a monotypic genus. The sapwood is light yellow and sharply defined from the heartwood, which is light yellow-brown with a distinct green tinge, darkening on exposure to dark purple-brown or rust-red.
Also known as Chan Ta Khien, Chi-ngamat, Takian Chan and Takian chantamaeo (Thailand); Chengal (Brunei).
AIR DRYING
The timber seasons slowly with moderate end-checking and surface-checking as the main sources of degrade. 13 mm thick boards take approximately 5 months to air dry, while 38 mm thick boards take 6 months.
KILN-DRYING
Kiln Schedule B is recommended. The timber dries very slowly and is extremely prone to surface-checking. 25 mm thick boards take approximately 30 days to kiln-dry from 50% to 10% moisture content.
Kiln Schedule B
|
Moisture Content (%) |
Temperature |
Temperature |
Relative Humidity (%) (approx.) |
||
|
° F |
° C |
° F |
° C |
||
|
Green |
105 |
40.5 |
101 |
38.0 |
85 |
|
40 |
105 |
40.5 |
99 |
37.0 |
80 |
|
30 |
110 |
43.5 |
102 |
39.0 |
75 |
|
25 |
115 |
46.0 |
105 |
40.5 |
70 |
|
20 |
130 |
54.5 |
115 |
46.0 |
60 |
|
15 |
140 |
80.0 |
118 |
47.5 |
50 |
SHRINKAGE
Shrinkage is fairly low, with radial shrinkage averaging 1.1% and tangential shrinkage averaging 2.6%.
