COMPARATIVE HARDNESS ANALYSIS ON NIGERIAN MARKET WOOD COMPOSITE (PLYWOOD)

Information on hardness test results on wood composites (plywood) in Nigerian market needed by stakeholders to prevent loss of revenue that may arise due to choice of inappropriate wood composites (plywood) for numerous needs as a result of non-availability of such data was explored. To establish their hardness, most frequently sought after wood composites (plywood) were identified, out of which the top three were subjected to test after selection. Each of the samples as required by the Leeds Hardness Tester was prepared and tested four times on the machine for a mean. Plots on the hardness of the samples were ensued by computer program from the generated data. Results show that Caledonian attained aggregate average hardness of 407.5 Leeds Hardness Test (HLD), View Point attained aggregate average hardness of 456.5 HLD while Plywood EQ attained aggregate average hardness of 459.25 HLD. Statistical analysis show that Plywood EQ is 0.6024% and 12.6993% harder than View Point and Caledonian respectively. The difference in hardness between Plywood EQ and View Point is small compared to the difference in hardness between Plywood EQ and Caledonian which is as much as 51.75 HLD. Choice of suitable wood composites (plywood) based on their hardness would be informed by this novel revelation. Biomedical engineers as well as other stake holders should utilize this in the development of their products. Attention in future research should be geared towards hardness tests of marine board wood composites, medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and high-density fibreboard (HDF) in Nigerian market.