Effects of board density and mixing ratio on the physio-mechanical properties of cement – Bonded particle board produced from Ceiba pentandra Sawdust

Abstract

The study evaluated the physical and mechanical properties of cement–bonded particleboards produced from the sawdust of Ceiba pentandra . The production variables investigated were two board densities (1300kg/m 3 and 1200kg/m 3 ) and three different mixing ratios (1:2, 1:2.5 and 1:3). Mean values of Water absorption (WA) and Thickness swelling (TS) after immersion in cold water for 24 hours ranged from 7.64 % to 9.53 % and 2.36 % to 2.99 % respectively. Board density at 1300kg/m 3 and mixing ratio 1:3 had the highest average Modulus of Rupture (MOR), Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and Impact Bending (IMB) of 4.32 Nmm -2 , 1262.03 Nmm -2 and 12.70J/M 2 respectively. The board density had a significant influence (P < 0.05) on the physical and mechanical properties of the boards. Based on the result, 1300kg/m 3 board density and 1:3 mixing ratio produced the best board for mechanical properties and dimensional stability and can be used for several structural applications. Keywords: Ceiba pentandra , Sawdust, Board density, mixing ratio, physio-mechancial properties