Bamboo Panel Boards - International Network for Bamboo and Rattan

28B A M B O O P A N E L B O A R D Sto find interior applications like doors, windows, partitions, ceilings, etc. Further workis in progress to achieve consistent physical and mechanical properties.MALAYSIAA small quantity is produced using manually split culms bonded with PVA.Prior to drying and application of adhesive, the strips are dipped in 2% solutionof borax and 2% solution of NaPCP for protection against insects and fungi. Typicalapplications are as parquet, flooring boards, built-in wardrobes, cabinets, etc.Physical and mechanical properties of these boards are given in Table 12.TAIWAN-CHINATable 12: Physical and mechanical properties ofbamboo strip board (Malaysia)ProoertiesValuesDensity 650 kg/m 3Modulus of ruptureTensile strengthModulus of elasticitv733 MPa3 450 MPa5 440 MPaMore or less the same manufacturing process followed in China is used here.The product, because of its high strength and durability, finds wide-ranging applications,especially in truck bodies and railway carriages.VIETNAMBamboo strip board is a recent development in the country and is gainingpopularity. The technology involves:..Cross-cutting of culms;Splitting;Scraping of nodes on both outer and inner surfaces;Preservative treatment (dipping in mixture of NaPCP and sodium fluoride)Drying to 8-12% moisture content:Application of resin (melamine urea formaldehyde at the rate of 140-160g/m 2 );Hot-pressing for 9 minutes (for 16 mm thick panel) at a temperature of120-l 40°C and a normal pressure of 1.2-l .6 MPa; andFinishing by paint or varnish.The board is used in interior applications like ceiling, parquet flooring, etc.The physical and mechanical properties are given in Table 13.