The Influenced of Compression on Properties of Binderless Compressed Veneer Made from Oil Palm Trunk

Abstract

Binderless compressed veneer panels from oil palm trunk consisted of 5 layers of oil palm trunk veneers were made with 3 different thickness, 7 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm. The panels were pressed at temperature of 180 °C with pressure 5 MPa at duration time of 20 minutes. The veneers were pressed without using any synthetic adhesive in the manufacturing process. Mechanical and physical properties such as flexural test, thickness swelling and water absorption, density and compression ratio were observed and evaluated based on Japanese Agricultural Standard 2003 (JAS). The findings showed that binderless compressed veneer panels that undergo pressing process with thickness bar 7 mm showed the highest value of flexural strength compared to other type of panels. Dimensional stability such as thickness swelling and water absorption showed relationship with compression ratio. Based on the results, the compression ratio did influenced the properties of binderless compressed veneer panel made from oil palm trunk.