Physical and mechanical properties of cement-wood based panels / Gazaini Ghazali and Zulkipli Nasri

The aim of this experimental project is to study the suitability of wood waste as substitute to ordinary agregates in the production of light weight panels the application in non-load bearing structure such as panels or cladding unit. The study was divided into two stages. The first stages dealt with the determination of the suitable ratio of wood/water, wood/cement ratio in order to produced the panels. Three different chemicals were considered in this stage. The second stages is to test the physical and mechanical characteristic of the cement wood based panel thus produced and to compare with the specification of Malaysian Standard (MS) for cement bonded board. After several trial a 60 : 40 C:W ratio by weight was found suitable and 12 panels were produced of 550 x 550 x 25 mm o dimensions, having an average density of 1100 kg/m . However the strength characteristies are less than these specified with M.S. These panels can be used as internal partitions and an ceiling boards. They can be plastered or laminated with other materials for better appearance.