PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF STRANDBOARD MADE FROM MOSO BAMBOO

A study was conducted to determine the suitability of Moso bamboo (Phy llostachys pubescens) for strandboard manufacture. Sixteen 7/16- by 18 - by 18-inch strandboards were formed using two phenol-formaldehyde re sin content levels (2.5% and 3.5%) and two types of flake orientation (random and aligned). The physical and mechanical properties of the bo ards were measured and compared with the standard requirements for com mercial strandboards. Results indicate that bamboo strandboard propert ies meet the industry-level requirements or commercial strandboards, R esin content hail a significant effect on modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond (IB) strength, and thickness swelling, but not on linear expansion, springback, and nail withdrawal resistance. Strand orientation had a significant effect on MOE, MOR, and linear expansion. Compared with the standards proposed for commerc ial OSB and waferboards, bamboo strandboards showed higher IB, MOE, an d MOR values in both the parallel and perpendicular directions. With r egard to physical properties, bamboo strandboards exhibited lower wate r absorption, thickness swelling, springback, and linear expansion.