Evaluation on layering effects and adhesive rates of laminated compressed composite panels made from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) fronds

• Waste agricultural crop from oil palm frond.
• Optimum layering of laminated compressed panels of oil palm fronds was evaluated.
• Adhesive rate of laminated compressed panels of oil palm frond was evaluated.

The objective of this study was to evaluate layering effects and adhesive rates of laminated compressed panels manufactured from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) fronds. Nine types of panels, namely 6-layer, 8-layer and 10-layer bonded with adhesive spread rates of 200 g/m2, 250 g/m2 and 300 g/m2 were manufactured. The results showed that both bending and internal bonding strength properties all types of panels increased with increasing number of layers and adhesive amount with an exception of 10-layer panels bonded with 300 g/m2. Mechanical properties of such samples were slightly reduced due to their possible brittleness as a result of effect of densification, high resin content and temperature. Thickness swelling and water absorption of the samples enhanced with increasing number of layer and adhesive content.