Mechanical and Dimensional Stability Properties of Particleboard from Neolamarckia cadamba Wood

Abstract

Neolamarckia cadamba tree is a viable alternative substitution material in the particleboard industry as it is a fast-growing species that has many benefits. Urea formaldehyde was used as a binder in this study. Experimental three-layer particleboard panels of N. cadamba tree were fabricated from two different sizes of 1.0 and 2.0 mm and used three different resin contents which were (7:9:7, 9:9:9 and 11:9:11). This study focuses on the influence of urea formaldehyde on the mechanical and dimensional stability properties. Modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bonding (IB), water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS) were evaluated in accordance with the Japanese Industrial Standard: Particleboards for General Purpose (2003). The results showed that there was relationship between resin contents and particle sizes of three-layer particleboard composites. Result obtained showed that bending and internal bond strength particleboard using ratio of 11:9:11 resin content with 700 kg/m3 density was better compared to ratio of 7:9:7 and 9:9:9 resin contents. When the resin content was increased, the mechanical properties also increased and physical properties decreased. Large particle sizes were found effect in bending and bonding properties.