Properties of high moisture resistance particleboard from Leucaena leucocephala / Muhamad Zulhilmi Razali

Alternative way to encounter the shortage of raw material for particleboard manufacturing is by using forest plantation species. A study on Leucaena leucocephala wood, as a raw material in Malaysia for the particleboard industry was conducted on the fast growing species and recycled materials. This study investigated the physical and mechanical properties of particleboard with variables of density, resin content and particle size using melamine urea formaldehyde glue. Particle recovery, bulk density and buffer capacity in acidic and alkaline environment were analysed. Physical and chemical properties for Leucaena leucocephala tree were determined based on TAPPI standard. Meanwhile mechanical and physical properties were tested according to BS EN standard for particleboard. From this study, the analysis revealed that tree portion significantly effect on chemical properties. In manufacturing of particleboard, density, resin content and particle size showed significant effect on mechanical and physical properties.