Authors:Ahamad, A.J.H; Kasim, J; Mohmod, A.L
Abstract:Gigantochloa scortechinii, one of the most widespread bamboo species in Peninsular Malaysia was investigated for its suitability as a raw material for particleboard production. A total of 120 bamboo culms from three different age groups (1-, 2- and 3-yr-old) were harvested from managed bamboo clumps in FRIM. The bamboo particles produced from the aking process were used in the making of single-layer urea formaldehyde particleboard. The particleboards produced were then tested for their mechanical properties and dimensional stability according to British Standard Methods. The results of the tests showed that age, resin content and board density signicantly affected the single-layer particleboard properties. Irrespective of bamboo age, particles of Gigantochloa scortechinii are suitablematerials for the manufactureof urea formaldehyde particleboards.
Keywords:Urea; resin.