Eco-friendly laminated strand lumber from date palm rachis

Masoud Shafie,Hamid Zarea-Hosseinabadi

doi:10.5552/drvind.2019.1843

Abstract

This study was performed to use date palm rachis, as a low value bio-waste, in the manufacture of a high value added eco-friendly structural composite lumber. Taguchi design of experiments was applied to analyse the effect of raw material and product parameters on the mechanical properties of laminated strand lumber from date palm rachis. The results indicate that the composite exhibits similar or superior strength properties compared to solid lumber and engineered products from wood or other lignocellulosic material for building sector. Taguchi design of experiments was assessed as a powerful and cost effective technique to obtain optimal levels for maximizing the mechanical properties of the environmentally-friendly composite. Maximum values for the mechanical properties of date palm rachis-based LSL were obtained from a combination of 20 mm product thickness, 10 % resin content, 4mm strand thickness, and 850 kg/m3 product density. Product thickness with an 81.3 % contribution and strand thickness with an 80 % contribution have the highest effects on the flatwise stiffness and compression strength perpendicular to grain, respectively.

Highlights

Taguchi design of experiments was applied to analyze the effect of raw material and product parameters on the mechanical properties of laminated strand lumber from date palm rachis
Product thickness with an 81.3 % contribution and strand thickness with an 80 % contribution have the highest effects on the flatwise stiffness and compression strength perpendicular to grain, respectively
The objective of the current study was to develop a type of laminated strand lumber from date palm rachises as an eco-friendly replacement for solid wood lumbers and engineered wood products

Summary

Introduction

Axial and flexural stiffness, and strength properties can be modified for specific applications (Moses et al, 2003) This material is used primarily as an alternative to traditional solid sawn lumber and other engineered wood products like laminated veneer lumber and glued laminated timber. Similar to other structural composite lumber, LSL as a relatively new wood-based product is an ideal structural solution for broad range of construction applications including rim board, millwork and window, door and garage door headers, as well as for many industrial uses. Traditional strong, dense species like oak, southern pine and Douglas fir are being replaced by low quality, low diameter and less dense species like spruce, European white woods, and aspen These species do not have the strength and stiffness of the above timber, they are light in color, lightweight and stable. Taguchi design of experiments was used to analyze the effects of raw material parameters on the mechanical properties of the product

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Conclusion