Effect of densification on certain physical and mechanical properties of inner soft wood of Borassus flabellifer L.

摘要

The inner soft portion of Borassus flabellifer L. (palmyra palm) wood was modified to study the effect of two-step densification, i.e. impregnation of thermosetting resin followed by compression through hot pressing on certain physical and mechanical properties. The phenol formaldehyde resin was impregnated into the wood using full-cell process followed by a compression process. Various physical and mechanical properties such as density, porosity, water absorption, volumetric swelling, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and compressive strength parallel and perpendicular to grain were evaluated. The results revealed that physical properties such as density, porosity, water absorption, volumetric swelling and mechanical properties such as MOR, MOE and compressive strength of the treated wood were better than untreated wood. The process can serve as a suitable method to enhance the utilisation potential of inner soft portion of palmyra palm.