Chico Zapote

Colour: The heartwood of Chico Zapote is typically a reddish-brown, sometimes with a more orange or golden hue. Over time, the colour may deepen, developing a richer tone. The sapwood is usually lighter, often cream-coloured or pale yellow, providing a clear distinction from the heartwood.

Grain: The grain is generally straight but can sometimes be interlocked. The interlocked grain can create interesting visual effects, particularly when the wood is finished.

Texture: Chico Zapote usually has a fine to medium texture, contributing to a smooth finish and good workability.

Resistance to Decay and Rot: Chico Zapote is highly resistant to decay and rot due to its dense and hard nature. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for applications where longevity and resistance to environmental factors are crucial.

Insect Resistance: The wood is also known for its resistance to insect attacks, including termites. This is an important factor for its use in both indoor and outdoor applications, contributing to its overall durability.

Strength and Hardness: Chico Zapote is a very dense and hard wood, which not only contributes to its durability but also to its resistance to wear and tear. This makes it suitable for high-traffic areas and applications where the wood is subject to heavy use.

Moisture Resistance: The wood exhibits good resistance to moisture, which enhances its suitability for outdoor use and in environments with high humidity.

Stability: It generally displays good dimensional stability, meaning it is less likely to warp or twist compared to many other types of wood.

Heavy Construction: Due to its strength and durability, it is often used in heavy construction, such as for beams, posts, and bridges.

Furniture and Cabinetry: Its attractive appearance makes it suitable for furniture and cabinetry, particularly in high-end applications where its unique colour and grain are showcased.

Flooring: The wood's durability and hardness make it a good choice for flooring, especially in areas subjected to heavy traffic.

Boat Building: Its resistance to water makes it suitable for some marine applications, including boat building.

Tool Handles and Sporting Goods: The wood's strength and shock resistance are ideal for tool handles and some sporting goods.

Green Moisture Content: In its freshly cut state, Chico Zapote, like other woods, has a high moisture content.

Drying Process: It needs to be carefully dried to reduce its moisture content for woodworking. Controlled drying is essential to prevent warping or splitting.

Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC): Once dried, it will reach an EMC appropriate for the ambient conditions. For interior uses in temperate climates, the EMC for hardwoods like Chico Zapote typically ranges from 6% to 12%.

Application Specific: The ideal moisture content for Chico Zapote depends on its intended use and the environmental conditions of where the final product will be used.

• Density: 900 kg/m³
• Modulus of Elasticity (MOEFLEX): 163200 cm³
• Resistance to Elastic Limit (RLEFLEX): 732 kg/cm²
• Flex Rupture Resistance (RR): 1317 kg/cm²
• Modulus of Elasticity Compression Parallel (MOECom): 185460 kg/cm²
• Resistance to Elastic Limit Compression Parallel (RLECom): 402 kg/cm²
• Resistance to Rupture Compression Parallel (RR Com): 667 kg/cm²
• Perpendicular Resistance to Elastic Limit Compression Perpendicular (RLE Com): 667 kg/cm²
• Resistance to Rupture Shear Parallel (RR Corte) : 667 kg/cm²
• Lateral Hardness for Side Face (JK Lateral): 923 kg
• Lateral Hardness for Transverse Face (JK Lateral): 887 kg

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to wood dust. Symptoms can include skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. If you have a known sensitivity to wood dust or experience any adverse reactions, it's important to take additional precautions.

Dust Inhalation: Wood dust, in general, can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities over time. It's important to work in a well-ventilated area and use appropriate dust collection systems and personal protective equipment, such as masks or respirators, especially when sanding or cutting the wood.

Skin Protection: Wear gloves to protect your hands from splinters and potential irritants in the wood.

Eye Protection: Always wear safety goggles or glasses to protect your eyes from wood chips and dust when cutting, sanding, or working with the wood in any way that could produce debris.

Safe Handling Practices: Use proper techniques and tools to handle and work with the wood safely to avoid accidents or injuries.