MANUFACTURE OF WOOD COMPOSITES USING LIGN OCELLULOSIC MATERIALS AND THEIR PROPERTIES .3. PROPERTIES OF BAMBOO PARTICLEBOARDS AND DIMENSIONAL STABILITY IMPROVEMENT BY USING A STEAM-INJECTION PRESS

Three types of raw materials from different parts of bamboo, that is, the outer layer, the inner layer, and whole bamboo, were used to manuf acture particleboards. The influences of resin contents and particle s ize on the properties of the boards were examined. The effects of stea m-injection pressing on dimensional stability improvements, and the fu ngal and termite resistances of the boards were also investigated. The mechanical properties [moduli of rupture (MOR) and elasticity (MOE) i n dry and wet conditions, internal bond strengths (IB), hardnesses], a nd physical properties [thickness swelling (TS), linear expansion (LE) , hygroscopic isotherm, and TS in different relative humidities) of th e boards were determined in accordance with the JIS (Japanese Industri al Standard). The properties of the boards were influenced largely by the use of different bamboo components, various resin contents and par ticle sizes. It is clear that boards fabricated with a steam-injection press have better water resistances and hygroscopicities. In addition , the results of fungal and termite resistance tests showed that bambo o particleboards decay more easily than the conventional wood particle boards, while the same degrees of resistance against termites (Copterm es formosanus Shiraki) were observed.