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What is kempas?
Kempas (Koompassia malaccensis) is a hardwood species native to Southeast Asia, particularly from countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. The wood is known for its durability, hardness, and attractive color, making it suitable for various applications, both indoors and outdoors.
Characteristics of Kempas
Origin
- Geographical Area: Kempas primarily grows in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, with large populations in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
- Tree Height: The Kempas tree can reach a height of 40 to 60 meters, with a straight trunk that can have a diameter of 1 to 1.5 meters.
Appearance and Structure
- Color: The heartwood of Kempas ranges from orange-brown to reddish-brown, while the sapwood is lighter in color, often yellowish to whitish.
- Texture and Grain: Kempas has a medium to coarse texture and an interlocked grain, which can lead to varying ease of sawing and machining.
- Luster: The wood has a moderate natural luster.
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 770-880 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content |
| Bending Strength (MOR) | 125-155 N/mm² |
| Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) | 14,000-16,500 N/mm² |
| Compressive Strength (parallel to the grain) | 70-80 N/mm² |
| Hardness (Janka) | 7,000-8,000 N |
Durability and Resistance
- Durability Class: Kempas falls into durability class 3-4, meaning the wood is moderately durable and requires some protection against rot and fungi.
- Weather Resistance: The wood is reasonably resistant to weather conditions, but treatment is recommended for outdoor use.
- Insect Resistance: Kempas is moderately resistant to insect infestation, particularly termites.
Applications of Kempas
Kempas wood is versatile and used in a wide range of applications:
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Construction and Building
- Flooring: Kempas is a popular choice for indoor flooring due to its hardness and attractive color.
- Stairs: The wood is suitable for stair constructions thanks to its durability.
- Windows and Doors: Kempas is used for windows and doors but requires extra protection against weather conditions.
-
Interior Applications
- Furniture: Kempas is suitable for making sturdy furniture such as tables, chairs, and cabinets.
- Interior Cladding: The wood is used for paneling and other decorative interior elements.
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Garden and Landscape Architecture
- Garden Furniture: Kempas can be used for garden furniture but requires treatment to ensure durability.
- Fences and Pergolas: The wood is suitable for fences and pergolas, provided it is well protected against the elements.
Advantages of Kempas
- Strength and Hardness: Kempas is very strong and hard, making it suitable for heavy loads and intensive use.
- Attractive Color: The wood has a beautiful reddish-brown color that darkens over time, contributing to a warm appearance.
- Wear Resistance: Kempas is wear-resistant, making it ideal for flooring and stairs.
Disadvantages of Kempas
- Workability: Kempas can be difficult to work with due to its interlocked grain and hard structure, which can lead to quicker dulling of tools.
- Durability: The wood is moderately durable and requires treatments to withstand prolonged exposure to moisture and insects.
- Availability: The availability of Kempas can vary, which may affect the price and consistency of the wood.
Conclusion
Kempas, derived from the Koompassia malaccensis tree, is a sturdy and attractive hardwood species from Southeast Asia. With its strong mechanical properties and warm color, it is an excellent choice for various applications, both indoors and outdoors. Although it has some drawbacks such as workability and moderate durability, the advantages of Kempas make it a valuable wood species for high-quality and durable projects.