SURFACE ROUGHNESS AND SHORE-D HARDNESS OF SIX TROPICAL HARDWOODS; [RUGOSIDADE DA SUPERFÍCIE E DUREZA SHORE-D DE SEIS MADEIRAS TROPICAIS]; [RUGOSIDAD SUPERFICIAL Y DUREZA SHORE-D DE SEIS MADERAS TROPICALES]

Introduction: This study investigates the Shore-D hardness and surface roughness characteristics of six tropical wood species: Canelo (Nectandra spp.), Limbali (Gibertiodendron dewevrei), Difou (Morus mesozygia), Curupay (Anadenanthera macrocarpa), Ebiara (Berlinia bracteosa), and Zwarte kabbes (Diplotropis martiusii), aiming to assess their suitability for high-performance applications. Objective: To evaluate how wood species and sanding processes influence the mechanical properties and surface quality of selected tropical woods. Methods: Samples were conditioned and sanded using abrasives of different grit sizes (80, 100, 120, 150, and 180). Surface roughness parameters Ra, Rq, and Rz, as well as Shore-D hardness, were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Duncan’s test. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that abrasive grit size significantly affected surface roughness (p < 0.001), with finer grits producing smoother surfaces. Wood species also had a significant effect on both roughness and hardness. Sanding had the greatest influence on Ra, Rq, and Rz parameters. Ebiara exhibited the smoothest surface, while Curupay showed the highest hardness (74.65). Conclusion: Surface roughness is primarily influenced by sanding grit, whereas hardness is determined by wood species. The results emphasize the importance of tailoring sanding procedures to the wood species in order to optimize surface quality and mechanical performance in industrial and decorative applications.