The effect of heating temperature on the physical and mechanical characteristics of plybamboo prepared from betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper)

Abstract

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of heating temperature on the physical and mechanical characteristics of plybamboo boards as an effort to reduce the use of wood and develop composite products as a wood substitute material. The material used was betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) processed using PVAc adhesive. Hygrothermal treatment was carried out at 150 °C, 160 °C, and 170 °C for one hour on bamboo strips. Subsequently, the bamboo strips were assembled into three layers perpendicular to the fibers, and adhesive was applied and compressed using cold pressing. The physical and mechanical properties of plybamboo boards were evaluated according to JAS 234: 2003 standards. The test results showed that hygrothermal treatment tended to affect the physical and mechanical properties of plybamboo boards. The hygrothermal treatment at 160 °C had the best impact, producing values closest to JAS: 234 standards, resulting in reduced moisture content, water absorption, thickness expansion, and delamination. Additionally, the heat treatment at 160 °C also provided the best improvement in density, MOR, and MOE of plybamboo boards. According to JAS:003 (2003) standards, the properties of plyboard did not yet meet the criteria as a wood substitute material.