Properties of particleboard from leuceana leucocephala wood/ Noor Zaliani Khozan

Particleboard was produced from Leuceana leucocephala wood using difference resin content (8%, 10% and 12%) and with added 1% wax. The particleboard was assessed for the mechanical properties including modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bonding (IB) and also physical properties including thickness swelling (TS) in accordance with the British Standard non-load bearing 312:2003. Mechanical properties revealed that board with higher resin content, 12% shows the highest value of MOR (16.82 MPa), MOE (2181 MPa) and IB (0.96 MPa). While, physical properties, board with 10% of resin content has the best TS1 (16.34%), TS8 (18.55%) and TS24 (21.94). Mechanical properties revealed that board with 1% of wax, shows the highest value of MOR, MOE and IB, but not significantly compare without wax and had the best TS1, TS8 and TS24 for physical properties and significant compare without wax. Hence, particleboard from Leuceana leucocephala with highest resin content has a potential as an alternative raw material to produce particleboard and other panel product for furniture industry.