Affiliations 

  • 1 Universiti Teknologi MARA
ASM Science Journal, 2011;5(1):27-35.
MyJurnal

Abstract

This paper reports the mechanical properties of cement composite boards made using wood-wool from a lesser known Malaysian timber species. A total of 108 specimens were fabricated using Portland cement (Type I) and wood-wool from Kelampayan (Neolamarckia cadamba). The cement to wood ratio of the specimens was 2 to 1 by weight. The aim of the study was to determine the density; flexural, compressive and tensile strength of wood-wool cement composite boards (WWCCB) by studying boards with wood-wool sized 1.5 mm, 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm and board thickness 25 mm, 50 mm and 75mm. The physical and mechanical properties of the boards were evaluated according to ASTM D 1037-96a (Standard testing method for evaluating properties of wood-based fibre and particle panel materials) and MS934:1986. Results showed that mechanical properties of WWCCB were greatly influenced by the density; as the density decreased, the mechanical strengths also decreased. However, the strength properties of the composite boards did not display a similar trend when subjected to different types of loading conditions. The compressive strength increased with thicker boards (50 mm and 75 mm) but the modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture declined as the thickness of the board was increased.