Properties of low density particleboard made from oil palm trunk (OPT) / Nur Afiqah Abd Halim

The objective of this work is to evaluate both physical and mechanical
properties of particleboard panels manufactured from oil palm (Elais
guineensis) trunks. Besides that, this work also to determine the effect of the
different resin content (8%, 10% and 12%) and additional wax (0% and 1%)
on the physical and mechanical properties of the board. Modulus of Rupture
(MOR), Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), Internal Bonding Strength (IB),
Thickness Swelling (TS), Water Absorption (WA) and density of the samples
were tested based on Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS A: 5908-2003). Oil
palm trunk particleboard made with highest adhesive content give the highest
modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elastic (MOE) and internal bonding
(IB) strength values of 5.80 MPa, 894.73 MPa and 0.07 MPa respectively.
Whereas, thickness swelling and water absorption result increase due to the
higher urea formaldehyde (UF) adhesive content and additional wax (1%).
Additional of wax on the particleboard decreased the mechanical properties
but increase in the physical properties of the particleboard.