Abstract
Background and Objective: Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens var. horizontalis) is an evergreen coniferous species reaching 20–30 m in height with a trunk diameter of 60–100 cm. It has a straight trunk and a conical crown. From an ecological standpoint, this species is light-demanding and tolerant. The distribution of the cypress is mainly along the southern shores of the Caspian Sea region, as well as northern Iraq, the eastern Mediterranean, and parts of Italy and Greece. The wood exhibits good natural durability against decay and insects, and its creamy‑brown color, suitable density, and favorable quality make it valuable for construction, wooden furniture, and veneer. Due to the high demand for imported fir and pine caused by the lack of sufficient industrial forests in Iran, and considering the widespread usage of softwoods in the country, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the physical and mechanical characteristics of the mentioned species. Due to its high drought resistance, this species presents a suitable option for cultivation in diverse areas throughout Iran.
Materials and Methods: Sampling was chosen from cypress trees located in Shahid Zare Forest Park (Mazandaran Province, Iran). Three healthy trees were randomly selected, with an average diameter at breast height of 21 cm and an average age of 24 years. Physical and mechanical tests were performed according to ISO 3129 and ASTM D143 standards, respectively. Physical properties included oven‑dry density, basic density, green density, maximum moisture content, and shrinkage/swelling in different anatomical directions. Mechanical properties included bending strength, modulus of elasticity, compression parallel and perpendicular to the grain, tension perpendicular to the grain, shear parallel to the grain, and axial and lateral hardness. Specimens were conditioned at 20°C and 65% relative humidity for four weeks to reach 12% moisture content prior to mechanical testing. Tests were performed using a SANTOM‑150 universal testing machine at Imam Mohammad Baqer National and Technical University of Sari.
Results: The green, oven‑dry, and basic densities of the cypress wood were 0.96, 0.47, and 0.42 g/cm³, respectively. Longitudinal, radial, tangential, and volumetric shrinkage values were 0.35%, 4.05%, 5.28%, and 9.68%, while swelling values were 0.37%, 4.29%, 5.58%, and 10.24%, respectively. Maximum moisture content reached 115.13%. Mechanical properties included bending strength of 60.07 N/mm², modulus of elasticity of 4978.45 N/mm², compression parallel to the grain of 34.7 N/mm², compression perpendicular to the grain of 10.71 N/mm², tension perpendicular to the grain of 4.1 N/mm², shear parallel to the grain of 10.05 N/mm², and axial and lateral hardness of 7225.36 N and 4174.37 N, respectively.
Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, cypress from Shahid Zare Park (Mazandaran Province) exhibits medium density, low shrinkage and swelling—an advantage for wood utilization—and favorable mechanical properties. Therefore, this species is suitable for use in wooden construction, furniture manufacturing, plywood, and veneer production.