Destructive and non-destructive tests of bamboo oriented strand board under various shelling ratios and resin contents

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of shelling ratio and resin content on the properties of bamboo oriented strand board (BOSB) from betung (Dendrocalamus asper) and to determine the correlation between the results of dynamic and static bending tests. Strands were steam-treated at 126 ºC for 1 h under 0.14 MPa pressure and followed by washing with 1% NaOH solution. Three-layer BOSB with the core layer perpendicular to the surface was formed with shelling ratios (face:core ratio) of 30:70; 40:60; 50:50; 60:40 and binded with 7% and 8% of phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin with the addition of 1% of wax. The evaluation of physical and mechanical properties of BOSB was conducted in accordance with the JIS A 5908:2003 standard and the results were compared with CSA 0437.0 standard for commercial OSB (Grade O-1). Non-destructive testing was conducted using Metriguard Model 239A Stress Wave Timer which has a wave propagation time from 1 to 9,999 μs and a resolution of 1 μs. BOSB with 8% resin content showed better physical and mechanical properties than those with 7% resin content. The increase of the face layer ratio improved the strength of BOSB in parallel direction to the grain. The results suggested that shelling ratio of 50:50 could be used as a simple way to reduce PF resin requirements from 8% to 7% and to meet the requirements of CSA 0437.0 standard. The results of non-destructive and destructive tests showed a strong correlation, suggesting that non-destructive test can be used to estimate the bending properties of BOSB.