Dependence of colour and discolouration on total extractive content of African Padauk and Jatoba

This study is about relationships between total extractive contents, heartwood colour and light-induced discolourations of the tropical species African Padauk (Pterocarpus soyauxii Taub) and Jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril L.). Wood surface colour was measured spectrophotometrically before and after light irradiation. Subsequently, the total extractive content was determined and linked to the colour parameters. Total extractive content varied between 6 % (Jatoba) and 27 % (African Padauk). The fact that non-irradiated Jatoba appeared lighter and more yellow with higher extractives contents, opposed the often assumed relationship that more heartwood extractives cause darker wood. For light-irradiated Jatoba wood only the reddishness was more intense when samples had higher extractive content. In contrast, light-irradiated African Padauk showed significant differences in all colour parameters as extractives varied. High overall colour change in African Padauk due to light irradiation was observed; however, no relationship with the extractive content existed. In contrast, discolouration rate of Jatoba wood strongly varied with its extractive content. Individual wood species react differently during exposure to light and therefore require specific surface treatment to maintain the desired colour appearance and colour stability.