KENAF AS THE RAW MATERIAL OF THE PARTICLEBOARD: THE PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE MECHANICAL AND DIMENSIONAL STABILITY PROPERTIES

摘要

The development of particleboard from kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L., Malvaceae) was carried out. The kenaf core fiber with sizes 1-2 mm was used to produce homogeneous layer of particleboard with UF loading at 10% and 12%. Three series of target density of board were produced, i.e., 500, 600 and 700kg/m~3. The board was evaluated based on its properties performance via mechanical and physical tests. The preliminary result indicated that the MOR, MOE and IB comply to the EN 312-3 (1996) specification, which is suitable for interior fitments (including furniture) use in dry conditions. Dimensional stability properties including water absorption and thickness swelling were conducted where the result exhibit the good performance of such properties while gaining the resin input.