Abstract
The suitability of Rajkoroi (Albizia richardiana) for plywood and particleboard manufacture has been determined. Study shows that 1.5mm thick smooth and figured veneer can be peeled and dried easily. Three-ply plywood were made using veneer of this species bonded with liquid urea formaldehyde glue of 50% solid content extended with wheat flour and catalyzed with 2% hardener (ammonium chloride) under the three specific pressures, such as 1.05 N/mm2,1.40 N/mm2, 1.76 N/mm2 in three replications at 6 minute press time and 120°C press temperature. Dry and wet shear test were conducted on the samples and their shear load at failure per unit area and percentage of wood failure were determined. 1.05 N/mm2 Pressure was found best for the manufacture. The particleboards of Rajkoroi (Albizia richardiana) were tested for determining the strength & dimensional stability. Tensile strength passed the German and British Standard Specification. Bending strength found to be nearest to the Bureau of Indian Standard but lower than German and British standard Specification.
Keywords
Rajkoroi, Particleboard, Plywood, Modulus of Rupture, Internal Bond Strength, Ammonium Chloride, Urea Formaldehyde