Effects of bamboo density and chemical properties on the properties of particleboard produced from Giganfochloa Scortechinii / Jamaludin Kasim and Abd. Jalil Hj. Ahmad

Density and chemical properties of 1 -, 2- and 3-y-old Gigantochloa
scortechinii were determined and their effects on the particleboard
properties were investigated by means of correlation analysis.
Predictive equations of the board variables viz; age, particle size,
resin and wax content on the board properties were also derived by
regression analysis. From the study, density was found to increase
with bamboo age and culm portion. Only the chemical properties of
cold water, hot water and alkali soluble were significantly affected
by increased age and culm height. Holocellulose on the other hand
only showed an increasing trend with age. Bamboo density only
affected the modulus of elasticity of the particleboard. The chemical
properties of cold, hot water soluble, ash and holocellulose content
showed positive correlation with screw withdrawal (edge). The
physical properties of f -hr and 24-hrs thickness swelling were
negatively correlated with the chemical properties of cold, hot water,
alkali solubles and holocellulose content. All the regression
equations derived in the study were found to be significant at p <
0.05 with correlation of determination (R2) of over 50%. The
equations could be used as a primary device to predict the properties
of particleboard produced from other sources manufactured under
the same conditions used in this study.