Properties of cement-bonded flake-boards from <i>Gmelina arborea</i> and <i>Leucaena leucocephala</i>

Abstract

This study investigated the suitability of Gmelina arborea, low-density wood species and Leucaena leucocephala, high-density wood species for the production of 6 mm thick Inorganic-bonded flake-boards. Flake-boards were made at three levels of curing reagent and board density to get nine experimental flakeboards for each species. The flake-boards were subjected to modulus of rupture, thickness swelling, water absorption, and accelerated aging tests. Thickness swelling, water absorption and accelerated age of boards decreased as curing reagent and board density increased whereas modulus of rupture of boards from each species increased proportionately with Gmelina arborea having higher strength. The performance of boards produced at the highest level of curing reagent and board density were better as they showed highest resistance to dimensional movement and bending force. Flakes from both species are suitable raw materials for flakeboard manufacture, which could be used as substitute to sawn timber in core and low-cost housing construction.