Possibility of Acacia Mangium Tree Branches as Particleboard Material.

branches, acacia, polyvinyl acetate, particleboard, physical properties, mechanical properties The quality of particleboard made from broad-leaved acacia branches and PVAc adhesive was investigated. A non-factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with adhesive contents of 10%, 15%, and 20% was employed. The parameters for testing physical properties included moisture content, density, water absorption, and thickness swelling. The parameters for testing the mechanical properties were modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, internal bonding, and screw withdrawal resistance. The results indicates that the concentration of PVAc adhesive has a significant effect on both physical and mechanical properties of the fabricated particleboards. The LSD further test indicates that particleboard with 20% adhesive content has the highest value in strength tests and meets the Indonesian National Standard (Standard Nasional Indonesia/SNI) 032105-2006. It is suitable for non-structural indoor (interior) element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]