Comparative evaluation of bending properties of Kelempayan (Neolamarckia cadamba) based particleboard prepared using different methods

Abstract

Fast-growing species have recently become attractive to wood-based industry because of suitability as an alternative raw material in replacing rubberwood to maintain production capacity. Fast-growing species are very economical, attain maturity faster and the tree can produce more wood. Kelempayan is a fast-growing tropical tree species and the future of this tree as a source of raw material is great due to its multiple uses. This work aimed at evaluating the improvement in the bending properties of particleboard made from Kelempayan wood. Three methods were investigated: untreated Kelempayan particles were used to produce single layer particleboard using phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin, alkali treated Kelempayan particles were used to produce single layer particleboard made from PF and untreated Kelempayan particles were used to produce three layers particleboard made from UF. The obtained particleboards were tested for their modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) according to the relevant Malaysian Standards (MS). The results indicated that particleboards produced from alkali treated Kelempayan particles and PF showed highest values for MOE and MOR, which well exceeded the performance level specified in MS standards for particleboards for furniture and structural grade. Untreated Kelempayan particles had the lowest MOE and MOR of the produced three layers particleboards. The study concluded that the alkali treatment of Kelempayan could be more effective and beneficial, when compared with untreated particles. © 2024 AIP Publishing LLC.