Measurement of some properties of binderless composites manufactured from oil palm trunks and Acacia mangium

• Samples having oil palm particles resulted in higher mechanical properties.
• Addition of Acacia mangium in the panels reduced their strength characteristics.
• Dimensional stability of the panels with A. mangium was adversely influenced.
• These two species could have potential as raw material to manufacture panels.

The objective of this work was to evaluate properties of experimental particleboard panels manufactured from oil palm (Elais guineensis) trunks and Acacia mangium. Samples were made having five different ratios of two types of raw materials without using any adhesives. Both physical and mechanical properties of the specimens were evaluated based on Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS). Panels made with 100% oil palm particles had the highest modulus of rupture and internal bond strength values of 22.91% MPa and 0.59 MPa, respectively. Addition of A. mangium particles in the panels adversely influenced their mechanical properties while improved both thickness swelling and water absorption of the specimens. All panels made in this work met minimum strength requirements stated in JIS. Based on the findings in this work it appears that both types of underutilized species could have a potential to be used as raw material to manufacture binderless value-added panels.