Effect of Particle Sizes on the Physio-Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Particleboard

The focus on timber species as the main source of raw material for wood based panel is alarming. This research work evaluated the effect of particle sizes on bamboo particleboard. The study was carried out in the Scientific Equipment Development Institution, Awkuke Enugu State. Laboratory tests were conducted both for physical and mechanical properties of the board at the Fredrick Research Centre, Agbani in Enugu state. Board density, moisture content and weight were variables measured for physical properties while internal bond, Modulus of elasticity (MOE), Modulus of rupture (MOR) were measured for mechanical properties using Shimadzu Universal Testing Machine. Data collected were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant means separated with Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability. Results recorded that T1 (fine particle) at 1.0 mm had higher values of MOR, MOE and internal bonding at 29.57, 1958.10 and 1.54 respectively followed by T3 (mixture of fine and coarse) and T2 (coarse particles). T2 had the highest moisture content of 8.22%, followed by T3 8.05% and T1 7.91% while T1 had the highest density (0.364g/cm3) and weight of 1.13 kg respectively. This study showed that particleboard made of fine particles (T1) of bamboo at 1.0 mm had better properties than T2and T3 in terms of their mechanical properties and physical properties with the exception of moisture content. It could be proposed that the finer the particles, the higher the strength of the board, thus recommends that smaller particles sizes like 0.5mm, 0.1mm and 0.3mm be used to increase the board strength.