Search

This research investigated the possibilities of applying coconut husk in fibreboard production. The objective was to reduce the amount of phenol formaldehyde (PF)-resin in highly water resistant fibreboards such as high pressure laminates (HPL). The milling process of coconut husk was analysed, tested and verified. Recommendations were worked out for the storage, transportation and preparation of coconut husks. The main steps such as preparation of raw material including resination, forming and pressing of boards, and their effects on the performance of boards were analysed. HPL boards were manufactured in the laboratory and tested following the European Norms (EN 438). Different particle sizes of coconut husk and blending ratios to wood fibre were chosen. The 100% based coconut husk HPL boards (without PF resin) showed impressive water resistance performance after the 2 hour boiling test. A ratio of PF resinated spruce fibre of 50% and the rest coconut husk showed high mechanical and physical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to determine the fundamental properties of Dendrocalamus asper and its suitability to be promoted as a raw material for the manufacture of composite lumber. The parameters studied were pH value, buffer capacity and bonding quality of bamboo strands using different adhesives. The pH and acid-buffering capacity, measured at three locations along the culm length, were 5.4 and 0.53 milliequivalents respectively. However, values from the different locations in the culm did not show any significant difference. The bonding quality of the bamboo strands was evaluated for three adhesives using a special device called an Automated Bonding Evaluation System (ABES). Three essential parameters were studied, namely, three types of glues (melamine formaldehyde, melamine urea phenol formaldehyde and phenol formaldehyde), four pressing temperatures (150, 170, 190 and 210 °C) and different pressing times (20 to 300 s). It was observed that bond quality was improved by increasing the hot pressing time and temperature. Results also showed that melamine formaldehyde was the best adhesive to bond bamboo strands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]