Properties of Oriented Strand Board Prepared From Steam Treated Bamboo Strands Under Various Adhesive Combinations

The objectives of this research were to analyze the physical and mechanical properties of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) prepared from steam treated betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) strands under various adhesive combinations. The strands were steamed at 126 °C for 1 h with the pressure of 1.4 kg cm-2 prior to be blended with adhesive. Three-layered OSBs with the core layer orientation perpendicular to the face layers were prepared by bonding using 5% methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (ISO), 7% phenol formaldehyde (PF), combination of ISO:PF:ISO and PF:ISO:PF adhesives. Paraffin in amount of 1% was added as an additive. The strand ratio for face, core, and back layers was 1:1:1, respectively.The results indicated that the physical properties i.e., water absorption and thickness swelling, and mechanical properties i.e., modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity both parallel and perpendicular to the grain direction and internal bond of OSB bonded ISO and combination of ISO:PF:ISO adhesives were much better than that of bonded with combination PF:ISO:PF and PF adhesives. Almost all parameters of OSB tested in this experiment were higher than the minimum criteria requirement of CSA 0437.0 (Grade 0-2) standard, except the value of MOE perpendicular to the grain direction of OSB bonded with PF adhesive

Some Chemical Properties and Natural Durability of Samama Wood (Antocephalus Macrophylus Roxb.) Against Subterranean Termite

Samama wood (Antocephalus macrophylus Roxb.) is an endemic wood of Sulawesi and Moluccas. This wood belongs to the 3rd class of wood strength. However, its natural durability against termite attack is still unknown. Therefore, the research about its extractives, ash content, heating value, and natural durability is paramount to appropriate usage of the wood. The samples were prepared from samama wood with diameter and height of 30-45 cm and 8.2-11.4 m, respectively. The results indicated that the extractive solubility in hot water, cold water and ethanol benzene were 7.83, 3.86, and 4.47%, respectively. The ash content was 1.31%, meanwhile the heating value was 4059 cal g-1. Based on its weight loss value, according to SNI 01-7207-2006 standard, the natural durability of samama wood against subterranean termite (Coptotermes curvignathus) is classified as in the 2nd class

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Samama Wood (Antocephalus Macropylus Roxb.) Grown in Mollucas Island

People are less interest to the Fast growing species since the quality is inferior compared to commercial wood. A research has been done to identify the physical and mechanical properties of samama wood (Antocephalus macrophylus (Roxb.)) from Mollucas island. Eight years old samama wood with diameter of 30 - 45 cm and height of 8 – 11 meter were used as samples. The parameters measured were moisture content (MC), specific gravity (SG), tangential and radial shrinkages, bending strength (MOR and MOE), tension and compression strengths parallel to grain and hardness. The result showed that the MC of samama wood decreased from bottom to upper and from outer to inner parts, while SG decreased from bottom to upper and from inner to outer part. Tangential and radial shrinkages of samama wood were much affected by vertical position. The MOE and MOR of samama wood decreased from bottom to upper part, while tension and compression strengths parallel to grain direction decreased form inner to outer part. On the other hand, hardness of samama wood decreased from bottom to upper and from inner to outer parts. Based on PKK NI5-1961 classification, samama wood belonged to strength class of III and IV