Effect of Different Bamboo Species on The Properties of Plybamboo

Aim of study: This study aimed to evaluate the bonding, mechanical, physical and finishing performance of 3-layer plybamboo. Area of study: The study was conducted under laboratory conditions using bamboo culms harvested from FRIM, Malaysia.Material and method: Two Malaysian bamboo species; Gigantochloa levis (beting) and Gigantochloa scortechinii (semantan) were used to fabricate the plybamboo. Urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesive was used as the bonding medium.Main results: The results showed that the shear bond strength of plybamboo from G. scortechinii was greater than G. levis when tested in dry condition, but was inversed when tested after the 24 hours’ water immersion test. The modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of plybamboo from G. levis and G. scortechinii were 103.43, 14001 N/mm2 and 123.56, 18703 N/mm2, while the compression-shear strength was 47.97 and 53.16 N/mm2 respectively. Meanwhile, plybamboo made from G. scortechinii had higher thickness swelling (9.68%), linear expansion perpendicular to grain (1.13%) and water absorption (26.51%) than those from G. levis. The finishing performance of plybamboo from both species ranges from moderate to good. Research highlights: Generally, the plybamboo produced from G. scortechinii using UF resin showed better shear bond strength, mechanical, physical and finishing performance compared to G. levis.