Bamboo hybrid laminate board (Gigantochloa apus) strip with falcata veneer (Paraserianthes falcataria) in selected fiber directions

Abstract

This study investigated the physical and mechanical properties of bamboo hybrid laminate boards (BHLB) in various fiber directions as a potential wood-replacement structural material. This study used dry bamboo (Gigantochloa apus) processed into thin strips with a thickness of 4 mm and falcata veneer (Paraserianthes falcataria). The BHLB were arranged based on different fiber directions (i.e., perpendicular and parallel) in cold pressing (30 min; 22.2 kgf/cm2) and hot pressing (6 min; 15 kg/cm2). The adhesive used was urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin (glue spread rate of 250 g/m2 and inter veneer 170 g/m2). Physical and mechanical properties were observed to validate the feasibility of preparing BHLB from bamboo strips and falcata veneers. The results showed that the arrangement of the fiber direction affects dimensional stability, MOE (modulus of elasticity), MOR (modulus of rupture), shear strength, and screw withdrawal strength. Falcata veneer as the board core material resulted in lower density, low dimensional stability, and higher water absorption. However, the mechanical properties were not much different and fulfilled the standard for structural use. This study concludes that bamboo can be used for making composite BHLB as an alternative to wood-based composites for structural use.