Treatment of Oil Palm Wood with Low-Molecular Weight Phenol Formaldehyde Resin and Its Planing Characteristics

In line with the Malaysian government calls to turn waste into wealth, oil palm wood (OPW) is establishing itself as a potential wood substitute. However, the OPW on its own has four imperfections, i.e.: low strength, low durability, poor dimensional stability, and poor machining characteristics. Previous studies have shown that the first three imperfections were able to be solved by impregnating with low molecular weight phenol formaldehyde (Lmw-PF) through modified compreg method. But, the machining behaviour of OPW remains uncovered. A planing test was carried out to evaluate the machining characteristics of the treated OPW. For comparison purpose, another set of test for the rubberwood and untreated OPW samples were also conducted. It is acknowledged that the planing quality of the treated OPW is of equal grade to that of rubberwood. In general, the planing of the treated OPW and the rubberwood fell into the Grade I (very good), compared to Grade III (average) for untreated OPW. The treatment significantly improves the machining characteristics of OPW, adding significant improvements on the physico-mechanical properties, durability, and appearance that have been proven in the previous studies, which make it can be used as a new, high-grade alternative for solid wood material

Reduction of Formaldehyde Emission From Phenol Formaldehyde Treated Oil Palm Wood Through Improvement of Resin Curing State

Oil palm wood (OPW) has several imperfections, and impregnation with low molecular- weight phenol formaldehyde resin through a modified compreg method can practically enhance these properties. The treated OPW, however, releases a considerable amount of free formaldehyde and thus is unhealthy for the human being. To make it applicable for indoor material, formaldehyde emission (FE) should be lowered to 0.1 ppm or lower. The FE level of the treated OPW was reduced from 0.3 to 0.1 ppm or lower by improving the resin curing state through two approaches, i.e. modifying the hot pressing compression schedule during the process and adopting an extended drying after the process. It is acknowledged that the extended drying gave more effect on the FE reduction than that of modifying hot-pressing schedule. The combination pressing schedule of 12.5%®25%®50% and extended drying of 48 h emits the lowest, safe formaldehyde of 0.08-0.10 ppm, which is considered safe according to American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard. The improving resin curing state through modifying the hot pressing schedule and adopting extended drying could be used as a practical way to reduce the FE level of the treated OPW to a safe level suitable for various furniture and indoor applications