Evaluation of cement-bonded particleboards produced from mixed sawmill residues

Abstract

This study evaluates the application feasibility and properties of cement-bonded particleboards produced from mixed tropical hardwood species. Wood residues from a typical sawmill were collected, dried and used in the manufacturing of the cement composites. The wood residues used were from Ceiba pentandra and Gmelina arborea timber species. The residues were mixed in seven ratios in the production of the composite samples. Two control experimental samples containing unmixed residues of each species were also produced. The test carried out on the boards were flexural strength, water uptake properties and wet and dry screw withdrawal resistance. The effect of the wood mix ratio on the board properties was evaluated. The result showed that all properties except the screw withdrawal resistance were significantly influenced by the mix ratios (p < 0.05). The wet and dry screw withdrawal resistance ranged from 1170 to 1770 N and 1360 to 1830 N, respectively. The optimum wood mix ratio for enhancing mechanical performance of the boards was 1:4 of C. pentandra/G. arborea wood residues. Based on the result of this study, the particleboards produced can be used as wood composite ceiling tiles in building applications.