Pauh Kijang 

Introduction

Pauh Kijang, the Standard Malaysian Name for Irvingia malayana, is a distinguished wood species recognized across Malaysia. Known as KABOK in ASEAN, this wood boasts a yellow-brown heartwood with a slight greenish tinge and a lighter sapwood. Some logs feature striking dark grey-brown streaks, adding aesthetic appeal to the material.

Other Names:

• Cambodia: Cay, Chambak

• Indonesia: Bongin, Pauh Kijang

• Laos: Bok

• Thailand: Kabok

Density

Pauh Kijang is a very hard and heavy wood with a density ranging from 930 to 1,250 kg/m³ when air-dried. It is classified as Medium Hardwood in Malaysia, making it a durable and reliable material for construction and manufacturing.

Natural Durability

While moderately durable, Pauh Kijang has a limited lifespan when exposed to ground contact due to its susceptibility to termites. It offers some resistance to fungi but requires treatment for extended durability.

Preservative Treatment

Preservative treatment for Pauh Kijang is challenging, as the wood is naturally resistant to penetration.

Texture and Strength

• Texture: Moderately fine and even, with shallowly interlocked grain.

• Strength Properties: Pauh Kijang falls under Strength Group A and SG3, demonstrating excellent structural integrity:

  • Compression (Air Dry): 70.5 MPa

  • Shear Strength (Air Dry): 17.0 MPa

Machining Properties

Pauh Kijang is challenging to work with due to its hardness:

• Planing: Difficult but results in a moderately smooth finish.

• Sawing, Boring, and Turning: Slightly difficult to difficult, depending on dryness.

• Nailing: Poor nail-holding capacity.

Seasoning and Drying

• Air Drying: 13 mm boards take about 5 months, while 38 mm boards require 7 months to season.

• Kiln-Drying: Kiln Schedule C is recommended for optimal drying.

Shrinkage and Defects

• Shrinkage: High, with radial shrinkage averaging 2.7% and tangential shrinkage at 4.3%.

• Defects: Generally defect-free, though mature logs may be hollow. Live trees are vulnerable to borer attacks.

Applications

Despite its challenges in processing, Pauh Kijang's strength and durability make it ideal for heavy-duty applications:

• Construction: Piles, railway sleepers, beams, posts, and rafters.

• Furniture: Heavy-duty furniture, decorative works, and cabinetry.

• Flooring: Suitable for areas with heavy traffic.

• Specialized Uses: Tool handles, staircase components, and vehicle body frameworks.

At Creatimber Global Sdn Bhd, we ensure that all our wood products meet the highest quality standards, bringing the best of Malaysian wood to the global market. Discover more at www.creatimber.com.my.