Project/activity information

This project studied and disseminated rubberwood processing technologies to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the rubberwood industries in China. The research work focused on (i) identification and classification of insect and fungi which degrade rubberwood in China, (ii) selection of appropriate rubberwood preservation and drying technologies by means of modern treatment methods, and (iii) development of fire-retardant rubberwood plywood in order to increase utilization of rubberwood products.

The project produced the following main outputs: (i) Rubberwood processing technical report (in English), informing on the results of a survey of the rubberwood processing and utilization technologies in China and on results of the research work. (ii) A manual on rubberwood processing technologies (in Chinese), including information on drying schedules and preservation chemicals and treatments developed under the project. (iii) A survey and classification of insect and fungi in Hainan and Yunnan Provinces: 23 species of decay fungi and 10 species of mould fungi were identified. A total of 36 species of insects were identified and classified. (iv) Research papers for international conferences: a paper entitled "A Series of Techniques for Producing Fire-Retardant Wood Products" was presented to the 28th Conference of the International Research Group on Wood Preservation (Whistler, Canada, 25-30 May 1997). A paper entitled "Drying Test of Some Fast-growing Planted Wood" was presented at IUFRO ALL DIVISION 5 (Meeting (Pullman, USA, 7-12 July 1997). (v) A report on a technical overview and on recommendations on rubberwood processing and utilization in China.