ANALYSIS OF FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF WOOD COMPOSITE (PLYWOOD) IN NIGERIAN COMMERCIAL SECTOR

Abstract: To avert the usual loss of revenue due to failure associated with using different inappropriate composite (plywood) makes for various needs as a result of unavailability of requisite technical data, analysis of flexural strength of wood composites (plywoods) in Nigerian markets was conducted. Three most common makes in the market and most frequently purchased were identified and subjected to test to ascertain the bending strength at peak or their modulus of rupture (MOR). The materials were conditioned as required by the testometric machine (a universal testing machine) and tested. Data were generated and dynamics of stress-strain curve obtained from computer program. Results indicate that, Caledonian recorded 16.973 N/mm2, Plywood EQ recorded 9.467 N/mm2 and Viewpoint recorded 4.956 N/mm2 as the maximum stress each of them can withstand while being bent before failing or rupturing. This means that plywood Caledonian which recorded the highest bending strength at peak of 16.973 N/mm2 is the best in Nigerian market in terms of bending strength tolerance. Depending on the need for plywood with regards to MOR, especially those in the construction industry, choice on the make of plywood should refer to result of this research. If the result of this paper is effectively utilized and applied especially in the construction sector it would prevent the frequent collapse of building under construction shortly after casting of beams even before setting is attained which is usually attributed to bending strength at peak of materials used for casting of beams, hence precluding loss of revenue. Keywords: Bending Rigidity, Creep, Durability, Elasticity, Flexural Modulus, Flexure Strength, Mechanical Test, Modulus of Rupture, Resilience. Title: ANALYSIS OF FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF WOOD COMPOSITE (PLYWOOD) IN NIGERIAN COMMERCIAL SECTOR Author: Ilo, C. P., Ajibo, J. I., Dim, E. C. International Journal of Novel Research in Engineering and Science ISSN 2394-7349 Vol. 12, Issue 1, March 2025 - August 2025 Page No: 30-35 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 18-June-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15687650 Paper Download link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/ANALYSIS%20OF%20FLEXURAL%20STRENGTH-18062025-4.pdf