Effects of varying resin content and wood species on particleboard properties / Nor Faizura Mohd Yassin …[et al.]

Petai Belalang (Leucaena leucocephala) and Batai (Paraserianthes falcataria) chips were used in the manufacture of particleboard. Particleboard made from Batai with 12% resin content had the highest MOR (35.11MPa) and MOE (6334MPa). The board also had the lowest WA (66.96%) and TS value (23.02%). For particleboard made from Petai Belalang with 12% resin content showed the highest value for MOR (26.67MPa) and MOE (5975MPa), WA (61.73%) and TS (18.85%). Increasing the resin content increases the MOR and MOE insignificantly but the increase in IB values is significant. With higher resin content, lower water absorption values was observed. Properties of MOE and IB were not affected by the different species. However for MOR values, batai particles significantly gave better value than petai belalang. The thickness swelling of Petai Belalang (Leucaena leucocephala) is significantly lower than Batai (Paraserianthes falcataria) but their water absorption values does not show any significant difference. All boards made from Batai and Petai Belalang surpassed the standard value of TIS for the mechanical and physical properties except for TS value. Further research is required to improve the thickness swelling and water absorption by the use of water repellant agent such as wax in making board is suggested.