Oriented Strand Board Made from Tropical Plantation Wood with the Inclusion of Kenaf Core at Different Resin Content

Abstract

Oriented strand board (OSB) was prepared from the strands of rubberwood (RW) and Acacia mangium (AC), with inclusion of kenaf core (KC). The KC was used as substitution, where 5% was added with RW and AC during the manufacturing process of OSB. Considering the expected negative impact of adding KC on the performance of the OSB, various levels of PF resin content were used. This study applied phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin contents of 7%, 9%, and 11%. The OSB samples produced were evaluated for thickness swelling (TS), water absorption (WA), modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and internal bonding strength (IB). Generally, incorporation of kenaf core reduced the mechanical and physical properties of the OSB. However, its mechanical and physical properties could be improved by increasing the resin content. Based on the findings, taking into consideration the properties of OSB as well as the cost of resin, 9% resin content is recommended.