Ebène

PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

These properties can vary significantly depending on the origin and growing conditions of the wood.

• Density *: 0.90
• Monnin hardness *: 7.0
• Coef. Volume shrinkage: 0.51%
• Stability in service: not very stable
• Total radial shrinkage: 7.0%
• Fiber saturation point: 29%
• Total tangential shrinkage: 11.0%

(*: 12% humidity)

Very variable properties depending on the species and the provenance; thus, the density can vary from 0.75 to 1.1.

NATURAL DURABILITY AND IMPREGNABILITY OF WOOD

• Mushrooms: cl 1 – very durable
• Insects of dry wood: durable; distinct sapwood (risk limited to sapwood)
• Termites: class D
• Impregnability: 4 – not impregnable
• Biological risk class: 4 – in contact with soil or fresh water

SAWING AND MACHINING

• Blunting effect: significant
• Sawing toothing: stellate toothing
• Machining tools: tungsten carbide

Powerful machines are required for machining due to the high hardness of the wood. Wood dust can cause dermatitis.

ASSEMBLY

• Nailing – Screwing: good hold, pre-boring necessary
• Gluing: correct

USES

A preliminary surface treatment with alcohol is recommended for polyester coatings and primer coats.

• turned items
• musical instruments
• cabinetmaking
• sculpture

Main known uses to be validated by implementation in compliance with the rules of the art. Important note: some uses are mentioned for information.

Source: CIRAD – ATIBT

REACTION TO FIRE

• French conventional classification: thickness> 14 mm: M.3 (moderately flammable) thickness <14 mm: M.4 (easily flammable)
• classification according to euroclasses: D s2 d0 This default classification concerns solid woods meeting the requirements of standard NF EN 14081-1 appendix C (May 2006), used in vertical walls. Namely structural timber, classified, with a minimum average density of 0.35 and a minimum thickness of 22 mm.