Mertas is the standard Malaysian and ASEAN name for the wood of Ctenolophon parvifolius (Ctenolophonaceae). The sapwood blends seamlessly with the heartwood, showcasing a striking brown to purple-red-brown hue. Locally, it is often referred to as besi-besi in Sabah and litoh in Sarawak. However, the tree is sometimes mistakenly called kelat due to the resemblance of its leaves to those of Syzygium species.
Internationally, Mertas is known by various names: Kalek bung cung, Kayu bawang, Lasah, Madjuit, and Ukut in Indonesia; Ctenolophon in Papua New Guinea; and Sudiang in the Philippines.
Density Mertas is a hard and heavy wood, with an air-dry density ranging from 800 to 930 kg/m³. It is classified as Medium Hardwood in Malaysia.
Natural Durability This wood is moderately durable, making it suitable for a variety of long-lasting applications.
Texture and Grain Mertas boasts a moderately fine, even texture, complemented by interlocked and occasionally wavy grains, adding a distinct aesthetic appeal.
Strength Mertas belongs to Strength Group A (Engku, 1988b) or SG 2 (MS 544: Part 2: 2001), making it one of the more robust wood types available in Malaysia.
Machining Due to its interlocked grain, Mertas can be challenging to machine, particularly in the radial direction where grain picking is common.
Nailing The nailing property of Mertas is rated as poor, necessitating pre-drilling or alternative fastening methods for optimal performance.
Drying Air drying is relatively quick without significant degradation:
13 mm thick boards dry in approximately 1.5 months.
38 mm thick boards require about 4 months. However, end-checking is a common issue, especially in thicker sections.
Shrinkage Mertas exhibits moderate shrinkage:
Radial shrinkage: ~2%
Tangential shrinkage: ~3.3%
Applications
Mertas wood is highly versatile and is widely used in:
Construction: Beams, posts, joists, rafters, columns, and heavy-duty staircases.
Marine Work: Fender supports and marine construction.
Flooring: Suitable for high-traffic areas.
Transportation: Railway sleepers, vehicle bodies, and heavy-duty pallets.
Utility Structures: Power transmission posts, cross-arms, and telegraphic posts.
Carpentry: Door and window frames, sills, and tool handles.
Piling: Ideal for heavy-duty and permanent structures.
Choose Mertas for its strength, durability, and versatility in crafting reliable and aesthetically pleasing structures.
