Enhancing mechanical properties of rhizophora apiculata through engineered laminated boards

Abstract

A study in enhancing the strength properties of Rhizophora apiculata by turning the solid wood into an engineered laminated board was executed. The matured Rhizophora species was selected from peat swamp forest in Sibu, Sarawak. The trunk was segregated into three parts, namely the bottom, middle and top portion and subsequently sawn into wooden planks. The laminated boards were cut into specific thicknesses and immediately bonded with an adhesive by pressed drying. Preparation for solid and laminated boards testing samples followed the ISO and ASTM standards. Properties such as the moisture content, density, basic density, static bending (MOR and MOE) and compression were determined. The results show an improvement in properties from the solid to laminated board. The values in density, MOR, and MOE increased in the range of 2-6%, 29-42%, and 13-36%, respectively. However, the values of the moisture content, basic density, and compression, indicated a vice versa trend ranging from 1-2%, 2-6%, and 8-24%, respectively. The bottom portion was more durable and robust compared to the other portions.