Peeling and Gluing Study of Khaya anthotheca for Ply and Particle Board

Abstract

Logs of Khaya anthotheca wood has been studied for assessing the suitability of plywood and particleboard manufacture. It was found that 1.5 mm thick smooth and figured veneer can be made and dried easily. Three-ply plywood were made using veneer of this species bonded with liquid urea formaldehyde glue of 50% solid content extended with wheat flour and catalyzed (ammonium chloride) with 2% hardener under the specific pressures, viz, 1.05 N/mm2, 1.40 N/mm2, 1.76 N/mm2 in three replications at 6 minute press time and 120°C press temperature. Dry and wet shear test were conducted on the sample and their shear load at failure per unit area and percentage of wood failure were determined. 1.05 N/mm2 pressure for the manufacture of ply wood was found to be the best. The physical and mechanical properties of K.anthotheca particleboard were studied. The particleboards were tested for determining the strength and dimensional stability. The tensile strength (internal bond strength 0.68 N/mm2) passed the German and British standard specifications; bending strength (modules of rupture 11.25 N/mm2) passed the Indian Standard but did not pass the German and British standard specifications.