The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical contents and thermal stability of young (3 years old or less) and matured (more than 5 years old) Madu Bamboo (Gigantochloa albociliata). The comprehensive knowledge of these properties will help to promote the uses of this bamboo’s fiber for natural-bonded composite products. The different age levels of bamboo can be an indicator in evaluating the significant difference of the chemical contents and thermal stability of bamboo. The chemical contents were determined in accordance to the standard outline in Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) test method, while thermal stability was conducted in accordance to Shimadzu TGA 50 analyzer. The culm exhibited different chemical contents between young and old age, in which, young bamboo showed higher hot water extractives and ash contents compared to mature bamboo. On the other hand, matured bamboo contained higher alcohol-toluene extractives, holocellulose, a-cellulose and lignin than young ones. Hence, more resin and possible wood gum in matured bamboo that is beneficially in natural bonded composite product. The thermal analysis of extracted bamboo fiber indicated the thermal degradation behavior of both young and matured bamboo with the same species. The maximum temperature degradation of both young and matured bamboos was 413°C and 404°C. Therefore, matured bamboo was degraded at lower temperature compared to young bamboo, which indicates lower thermal stabilities. The result of this study reported that young bamboo of G. albociliata species is acceptable to be harvested at young ages for reinforcement in natural bonded composite board, according to their thermal stabilities and chemical contents.

This study was conducted to improve the life-span of the biofilm produced from algae by evaluating the decomposition rate with the effect of cinnamon extraction oil (CEO). The biofilm was fabricated using the solution casting technique. The soil burying analysis demonstrated low moisture absorption of the biofilm, thus decelerating the degradation due to low swelling rate and micro-organism activity, prolonging the shelf-life of the biofilm. Hence, the addition of CEO also affects the strength properties of the biofilm. The maximum tensile strength was achieved with the addition of 5% CEO, which indicated a good intermolecular interaction between the biopolymer (algae) and cinnamon molecules. The tensile strength, which was measured at 4.80 MPa, correlated with the morphological structure. The latter was performed using SEM, where the surface showed the absence of a separating phase between the biofilm and cinnamon blend. This was evidenced by FTIR analysis, which confirmed the occurrence of no chemical reaction between the biofilm and CEO during processing. The prolongation shelf-life rate of biofilm with good tensile properties are achievable with the addition of 5% of CEO.

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In this study, rice straw and bagasse are used as raw materials to produce binderless particleboard (BPB). This study aims to evaluate the mechanical and physical properties of BPB. We identify the raw material that would be better for the production of BPB from the viewpoint of their basic properties. The BPBs are made from rice straw, bagasse, and combinations of both in ratios of 50:50 and 40:60, respectively. The modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bonding (IB) strength, water absorption, and thickness swelling properties of the different BPBs are determined and compared. Results showed that all the properties are significantly influenced by the type of particles or particle combinations in the BPB. BPBs made from bagasse alone have the highest MOR, MOE, and IB mean values, whereas BPBs made from rice straw alone exhibit the lowest MOR, MOE, and IB values. Meanwhile, BPBs made from a combination of rice straw and bagasse at 40:60 ratio by weight have the second highest values for properties such as MOR, MOE, and IB, followed by BPBs made from a combination of rice straw and bagasse at 50:50 ratio by weight.

Non steady state diffusion flow is unstable movement of moisture in a material which changes with respect to time. Diffusion coefficient describes the rate at which water moves from the interior to the surface of the materials. Absorption and desorption are the variables that are used to determine the diffusion coefficient. Understanding of the water absorption and desorption is important since it affects the mechanical properties of materials such as strength and durability properties. Water absorption and desorption of the materials or products intended for drying are important for the design and operation of dryers such as kiln drying and other processing system. Nowadays, the processing of solid wood into finish product is decreasing due to increase in the cost of solid wood and insufficient supply of quality logs. Agricultural waste such as pineapple leaves is one of the potential raw materials that can be used in particleboards manufacturing. Pineapple leaves particleboards were produced and the diffusion of coefficient of water absorption, percentage thickness swelling and percentage thickness shrinking were determined. Diffusion coefficient was determined based on the absorption and desorption rate. The particleboards manufacturing followed BS EN 326 and testing of samples was in accordance with BS EN 317. The difference in thickness of particleboard has great influence on physical properties. In this study the particleboard made of 1 cm has the lowest water absorption compared with 2 cm particle board and has highest thickness shrinking.