Chatoyance was measured by the chatometry.com team using the PZC method. The statistics for this specific timber are hereby summarized to provide an evaluation of data robustness:
Number of sources for samples: 8
Number of individual trees analyzed: 9
Number of specimens: 20
Number of measurements: 69
Max PZC read (of all measurements): 26.1
Min PZC read (of all measurements): 11.3
Max PZC average on one log: 24.2
Min PZC average on one log: 14.8
PZC Average of all logs: 19.1

Species: intsia spp.
Family: Fabaceae
Clade: Angiospermae
Description: Intsia species, commonly known as Merbau or Ipil, are large tropical hardwood trees characterized by their pinnate leaves, small white flowers, and flat, woody pods. They are highly valued for their durable, reddish-brown timber.
Other Local Names: Kwilau, Kalabau, Vesi, Hintsy, Mirabow, Kohu, Kwila, Ipil, Ipil laut, Lum-paw, Gonuoc

Reference Colour: Brown
Texture: Coarse
Grain: Straight or interlocked
Interlocked Grain: Slight
Notes: Wood sometimes orangey brown becoming dark red Quarter sawn brown or dark brown in the light. Present of yellow sulphur deposits.

Diameter: 60÷120cm
Density @12% MC: 830kg/m³
Janka Hardness: 2640lbf
Crushing Strength @12%MC: 74MPa
Static Bending Strength @12%MC: 115MPa
Longitudinal Modulus of Elasticity E: 15.44GPa
Volumetric Shrinkage Coefficient: 0.39% per %
Total Tangential Shrinkage TS: 4.4%
Total Radial Shrinkage TS: 2.7%
T/R Anisotropy Ratio: 1.6-
Fibre Saturation Point: 24%
Thermal Conductivity: 0.27W/mk
Sapwood Thickness: 5÷8cm
Sapwood Demarcation: Clearly demarcated

Resistance to Decay: Class 1-2 – very durable to durable
Resistance to Dry Wood Borers: Class D – durable (sapwood demarcated, risk limited to sapwood)
Resistance to Termites: Resistance to termites ranges from moderately good to good. According to the European standard NF EN 335 of May 2013, performance length might be modified by conditions in which it is used.
Treatability: Class 4 – non-treatable
Use Class Covered by Natural Durability: Class 4 – in ground or fresh water contact
Durability Notes: This species is listed in the NF EN 350 standard. It covers the use class 4, but presents a variable durability towards marine borers. Its use under sea water is not recommended.

Log Buoyancy: Does not float
Log Conservation: Good
Drying Rate: Slow
Drying Risk of Distortion: Slight risk
Drying Risk of Case Hardening: No known specific risk
Drying Risk of Checking: Slight risk

Blunting Effect: Fairly high
Machining Tool: Tungsten carbide
Suitability for Peeling: Not recommended or without interest
Suitability for Slicing: Good
Sawing Machining Notes: Sawblades tend to clog. Tendency to tear on quartersawn. Silica content is variable.
Assembly Nailing Screwing: Good but pre-boring necessary
Assembly Notes: Tends to split with nailing. High specific gravity: important that gluing be performed in compliance with the code of practice and instructions for the glue used.

Source 1: Tropical Timber Atlas, Editions Quae, e-ISBN 978-2-7592-2770-9