Effect of flake geometry on properties of cement-bonded particleboard from mixed tropical hardwoods

Abstract

Laboratory scale cement-bonded particleboards were made from mixed particles of three tropical hardwoods. Boards were three-layered comprising of 2 mm thick sawdust face and 4 mm thick core layers made from flakes of three lengths-12.5 mm, 25.0 mm and 37.5 mm and two thicknesses of 0.25 mm and 0.50 mm. The panels were fabricated at three density levels of 1,050 kg/m3, 1,125 kg/m3 and 1,200 kg/m3. From the statistical factorial analysis carried out, flake length, flake thickness and board density had significant effects at 1% level of propability on the properties of the tested panels. Mean MOR ranged from 5.22 to 11.15 N/mm2; MOE-2,420 to 4,820 N/mm2; water absorption and thickness swelling following 144 hours soak in water, 32.95 to 46.00% and 0.35 to 5.47% respectively. The longer and thinner the flakes, the stronger, stiffer and more dimensionally stable the experimental cement-bonded particleboards. Similarly, the higher density panels generally exhibited higher strength values in terms of MOR and MOE and were more dimensionally stable. MOR, MOE, water absorption and thickness swelling were found to be highly correlated with flake length, flake thickness and panel density. Correlation coefficients (R) for these relationships were 0.888 to 0.986 for the combined variables; and 0.574 to 0.992 for the individual factors. In all the cases tested, the regression relationships were linear.