USE OF GLIRICIDIA SEPIUM (MADRE CACAO) WOOD SHAVINGS

FOR PARTICLE BOARD USING ISOCYANATE AS BINDER

A Research Project

Presented to the Faculty of the

College of Industrial Technology
Technological University of the Philippines
Manila

by

RICHELLE GLAD R. ENCARNACION

BESTMAR H. CAMPOSANO
FRELYN N. MINA

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of

Civil Engineering Technology

JULY 2015
 Background of Study

The Philippines, Pearl of the Orient Seas, is very rich in natural resources. Around 15 million

hectares, or almost half of the Philippines' total land area, are classified as timberland. Most of the

wood is

consumed by construction industries and as well as furniture industries. Philippines is known as a great

source of quality and good looking of furnitures. It’s not surprising that these furniture shop produces

waste such as wood shavings and wood fragments. To make these waste as a useful one, the researcher,

will use these as a raw material in composite board. Among the wood that is commonly used in an

ordinary furniture shop is the kakawate or madre de cacao.

GLIRICIDIA SEPIUM or (Madre de Caccao) is known locally as a very versatile tree. This

tree though only considered as a medium tree because it grows only to about 10 or 15 meters can also

be placed in the level or classifications of the NARRA, KAMAGONG, GUIJO, DAO, ACACIA,

YAKAL, MANGKOHO and so many many more hard wood trees in our country. Its trunk when

milled would yield a very hard wood. When it is properly sanded and finished would yield a very

smooth and very shiny surface. Before it become furnitures like tables, benches, and chairs it produce

wood shavings after it is being sanded.

Large-scale use of sawdust and shavings still remains a major problem. Economical disposal of

sawdust and shavings is a problem of growing concern to the wood industries. Enormous quantities of

sawdust are produced annually by sawmills. The sawdust produced in cutting a thousand board feet of

1 inch hard- wood lumber with a saw cutting a 1/4 inch kerf is at least (0.25 12) x 1000 = 20.8 cubic

feet of solid wood. At a typical green weight of 52 pounds per cubic foot for
solid hardwood, this amount of sawdust would weigh 1,085 pounds. The same air-dry wood (12 pct.

moisture content) would weigh 36 pounds per cubic foot, hence the sawdust would weigh 750 pounds

when dried to 12 percent moisture content. Planing and machining of lumber and other manufacture

from wood leads to further residues. A planer mill produces about 600 pounds of dry residue per

thousand board feet. (USDA 1996).

Wood Shavings a general term for the waste materials obtained in working wood by cutting it

with woodworking machine tools and for certain semifinished products made by the woodworking

industry. Small sized sawmill residues such as wood shavings and saw dust in many part of the world

are simply dumped or burned. In central Europe sawdust and wood shaving is used in cattle farm as

bedding material. Because it can be easily disposed as part of liquid manure. (Long 2006). Considering

the wood shavings that is being produced and wasted. The present study intends to recycle those wood

shavings of Kakawate (Madre Cacao)in some furniture shop nearby our area as a raw material on the

particle board that we will make.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

General Objective
 The general objective of this study is to develop a Particle Board using Kakawate (Madre

Cacao) Wood shavings as raw material and Isocyanate as Binder

Specific Objective

Specifically, the study aims to:

1. Determine the bulk density of Kakawate (Madre cacao).

2. To develop a Composite Board using Kakawate (Madre Cacao) and Catalyst 100 as

Binder.

3. Determine the physical and mechanical property of Kakawate (Madre Cacao).

4. Evaluate the acceptability of the output.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study focused on the development of Composite Board using Kakawate (Madre Cacao)

shavings and Catalyst 100 as Binder.

The general purpose of this study is to use Kakawate (Madre Cacao) shavings from the

furniture shop near our areas in Lemery, Batangas. as a raw material.

The development and testing of particle boards were conducted in Forest Product Research

Development Institute located at the University of the Philippines Los Baños Laguna this first semester

of school year 2015-2016. Preliminary size of board is mold in a 30 cm x 30 cm x 12mm molder and

pressed into the target density. The boards were cured for 3 days. The tests conducted were Water

Absorption (WA), Thickness Swelling (TS) for the physical properties of the board, and Bending
Strength (BS), Internal bond strength and Face-Screw Holding (FSH) for the mechanical properties of

the board. The board is limited and capable only for interior use as a non load bearing board to be used

as a ceiling cover and wall partition cover.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Composite board is a manufactured wood product. It isa actually quite environmentally friendly

as it built from compressed wood shavings and shredded wood scraps, held together with a type of resin,

Catalyst 100. It is a cheaper and denser than hardwood, but is not very strong or

resistant to moisture.

The importance of the study can be viewed on the following perspective:

Students (Civil Engineering Technology). This study will be a huge contribution to the body of

knowledge of the students who’s studying about composite board and researching about wood shavings

of Kakawate (Madre Cacao) and Catalyst 100.

Engineering Industry. The result of the study will serves as a guide in this particular

phenomenon and further it will create a widen perspective about ways of producing an economical

composite board.

Consumer. If the study is tested and passed the Standard test it will help in their budgeting

because of low cost version of composite board.

Community (Provinces). This study will serve as a primary source of their livelihood, especially

to area where Kakawate(Madre Cacao) can be found and it will help them to expand their business.
 Chapter 2

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This chapter presents the review of related literature and studies underlying the framework of

the study. It includes the conceptual model of the study and operational definition of terms.

Review of Related Literature and Studies

Foresters everywhere are alert to the necessity of maintaining and increasing forest production

by better forest practices. They are even working to develop hybrid species that grow more rapidly and

produce wood more quickly than the parent species, thus increasing the potential productive capacity of

the forest land. But all these efforts must be supported by more efficient harvesting and utilization of

the forest crop, for it is of little use to grow more timber and then throw a large part of it away. In the

more highly developed countries of the world, relatively little wood goes to waste although there is still

the possibility of finding higher uses for much of it. But in the regions of the world where great areas of
virgin forest still prevail, only about one quarter to one third of the wood growing on the land reaches

the consumer in the form of finished products. The rest is left on the land to rot or is lost as bark,

sawdust, shavings, slabs, trimmings, defective pieces, and in other forms as the log progresses through

the various manufacturing steps that convert it into consumer products. The waste is caused by the

inability of the logger or the manufacturer to find profitable uses for his residues.

The problem is especially great in tropical countries where there are so very many species of

timber but only a relatively small number find commercial use. The noncommercial species in the

forest must wait until research provides profitable ways to use them or the scarcity of wood becomes

sufficiently acute to force them into use despite their unpopularity. In the Philippines, for

example, there are some 3,000 species of trees that grow to one foot or more in diameter but, at most,

only about 200 species find use and only about 60 of these are commercially important. Most of the

2,800 remaining species are not plentiful but all of them undoubtedly could be used commercially in

some form or other if their properties were thoroughly understood.

The tonnage of wood and bark that goes to waste in the Philippines every year is enormous, and

this is potential raw material for innumerable industries that could provide employment for thousands

and increase the contribution of the forests to the welfare of the nation without increasing the drain on

the forests. When the world's population was small and the forests covered the earth, efficiency in

wood utilization had no significance. Now that population is increasing at so fast a rate and forests are

shrinking rapidly, the whole tree must be utilized and not just part of it. (Hunt 2000).

Particle Board

Cost Effective
 Particleboard is less expensive than many building material alternatives because it is

mass produced and can often be manufactured using recycled materials or waste products that would

have been discarded.

Stable and Consistent

Particleboard is a strong, cheaper alternative to plywood that will not warp the way

some solid woods and plywood materials can, making it a ideal product for door cores and cabinets.

The manufacturing process compresses wood fibres into a single board with many layers. Since the

boards are compressed wood fibres, the durability and texture is consistent throughout, with fine wood

chips in the outer layers and larger chips in the centre of the board. Particleboard most often serves as a

substance material behind or under decorative veneers.

Customizable

Manufactures can create particleboard with the specific load bearing requirements,

design, veneers, sizes within limitations. The boards are available in a variety of standard types and

styles to suit the builder’s project needs, but if the builder needs a non-standard board, a manufacturer

can produce it.

Moisture Resistant and Fire Retardant

Manufacturers can add moisture resistant and fire resistant properties to particleboard

during the manufacturing process with the addition of chemicals, coating or specially formulated

resins. Standard particleboard is not an appropriate material to use in areas where water is concern, but

you can substitute specially formulated moisture resistant particleboard in these areas.

Characteristics of Particle Board

Particleboard is manufactured from the wood chips, resin and wax. It is a composite

material manufactured by compressing wood particles, resin and wax. The completed boards are
durable and consistent throughout. People use particleboard in furniture, shelving, cabinets, flooring,

work surfaces and doors. These boards are appropriate for use in kitchens and bathrooms where

moisture is concern only when coated with a moisture resistant barrier of manufactured with moisture

resistant resin. Particle is a versatile building material that is sustainable and recyclable.

The Disadvantage of Particle Board

Particleboard is an engineered, manufactured, wood product that was first introduced to

the building industry in the 1940’s. A hot-pressed composite made from wood flakes, chips, splinders,

shavings, sawdust and binding agent such as synthetic resin, particleboard has certain desirable

attributes. It has great density and weight for its size, and that makes it strong. It is less expensive that

conventional wood. Its disadvantages are related to the fact that is a heat and glue molded wood

product.

Longevity

Particleboard is not considered a long-lasting material. the major disadvantage of this

material is its inability to resist and withstand moisture. Once particleboard absorbs moisture it could

possibly swell, causing unsightly rises in flooring materials such as carpet and vinyl. Unfortunately

particle board has no real moisture barrier that can prevent absorption of water or other liquids. Once

particle board has been exposed to moisture, it loss its strength. The particle fibers no longer bond,

which causes the board to break apart into smaller pieces, making it to replace the particleboard.

Durability

Particleboard can never be used for structural support. For example, plywood and OSB

can be used directly over the floor joist as structural support for heavy objects. Particleboard can’t
support walls or other heavy loads, which makes particleboard good only as an additional layer of

flooring to add thickness to subflooring.

Moisture Retention

Particleboards tends to absorb moisture. The ends or edges of a sheet of the

particleboard, usually 4 feet by 8 feet in dimension, are even more vulnerable to absorbing moisture

than the flat surface. Once moisture penetrates, particleboard is inclined to weaken, warp and lose its

characteristics.

Expansion and Discoloration

When particleboard comes in contact with moisture, it can expand and darken in color.

For that reason, unless it has been manufactured and treated with a sealing agent specifically for

exterior use, it is not used outdoors. It can be and has been used for the kitchens and bathrooms as a

subsurface. Provided it is covered so water cannot penetrate and reach it, it is a relabel product.

Gliricidia sepium ( Madre Cacao)

Gliricidia sepium ( Madre Cacao) is a medium-sized tree and can grow to from 10 to 12

meters high. The bark is smooth and its color can range from a whitish gray to deep red-brown. It has

composite leaves that can be 30 cm long. Each leaf is composed of leaflets that are about 2 to 7 cm

long and 1 to 3 cm wide. The flowers are located on the end of branches that have no leaves. These

flowers have a bright pink to lilac color that is tinged with white. A pale yellow spot is usually at the

flower's base. The tree's fruit is a pod which is about 10 to 15 cm in length. It is green when unripe and

becomes yellow-brown when it reaches maturity. The pod produces 4 to 10 round brown seeds .G.

sepium is also used for its medicinal and insect repellent properties.
 Uses/applications

Living fences/hedges, cut and carry feed for ruminants, alley farming, protein banks,

green manure , support, shade, honey, rodenticide, medicinal, firewood, pigmentation of eggs.

Fertiliser

As green manure, 15 t/ha/year of leaf biomass can provide the equivalent of 40

kg/ha/year N to companion crops and pastures. Tolerant of low soil fertility , but will respond to lime

on soils with high Al saturation.

Soil requirements

Adapted to a wide range of well-drained soils. In its native range, often found on highly

eroded soils of volcanic origin with pH 4.5-6.2, but is also found on sands, heavy clays and slightly

alkaline, calcareous limestone soils. Work in Peru suggests that gliricidia is suitable for acid, infertile

soils. However, in Indonesia, there was poor survival of plants on soils with a high Al saturation. In

Australia, the tree is thought to be suitable for low-calcium soils. Gliricidia does not grow well on wet

or waterlogged soils.

Moisture

Drought tolerant and adapted to an annual rainfall regime of 650-3,500 mm. Largely

deciduous where dry seasons are moderate to severe, but evergreen where there is sufficient moisture

throughout the year.

Temperature
 Mean annual temperatures across the native range vary considerably, from 21-

29ºC. Leaves abscise when night temperatures fall below 15ºC. Grows to an altitude of 1,200 m asl in

its native range, possibly to as high as 1,600 m asl .

Reproductive development

Strongly self-incompatible despite having hermaphrodite flowers pollinated by

insects. Flowering begins at the start of the dry season at about 6-8 months of age, and can continue

into March in some native populations. Trees at lower coastal sites flower well before those at higher

altitudes. A tree can produce vast numbers of flowers (up to 30,000) that attract a wide variety of

insects. Pod ripening takes 45-60 days. In very wet areas, plants may flower but produce little if any

fruit.

Defoliation

Gliricidia tolerates repeated cutting. For forage, first cut 8-12 months after sowing at

0.5-1.0 m above soil level, and thereafter every 2-4 months depending on rainfall and temperature .

Gliricidia is largely deciduous in the dry season. To prevent leaf loss at this time, cut at the end of the

rains and again at 8 weeks into the dry season. A final cut at 16 weeks into the dry season may be

possible. Gliricidia is normally used as a cut-and-carry forage and is rarely directly grazed. Goats

accustomed to gliricidia will eat the bark as well as leaves and small stems and may kill young trees.

Agronomy

Sowing depth for seeding into the field or nursery beds is 2 cm. Scarification is

unnecessary, and germination rates of >90% are typical. Seedlings establish rapidly, generally

reaching a height of 3 m before flowering at 6-8 months of age.

Trees can also be established rapidly from cuttings, using stakes of 5-6 months of age, 1.5 m long and

with a diameter of 3.5-4.0 cm. If the moisture is adequate, foliage will appear in four weeks. For

living fences, use stakes 1.5-2.5 m long with diameters of 5-10 cm, planted 1.5-5.0 m apart to 20 cm

depth. For densely planted protein banks, use stakes 50 cm long and six months of age. Various

planting patterns can be used e.g. double rows or triangular. Plant populations range from 4,000-

10,000 trees/ha. Very high densities are used in small protein banks. The direction of planting should

be east to west to maximise sunlight interception.

Ability to spread

Will not spread under grazing as recruiting seedlings will not compete strongly with

established grasses and are easily killed by grazing livestock. Weed potential pioneer species following

slash and burn agriculture in native range. Limited seed production in exotic locations due to lack of

pollinators and unsuitable environments for seed set may limit weed risk. Severe weed in Jamaica, but

not reported as a weed elsewhere.

Nutritive value

High nutritive value. Crude protein content 18-30% and in vitro digestibility of 60-

65%. With the exception of palatability , variability in nutritive quality among provenances has not

been assessed.

Palatability/acceptability

Some palatability problems occur with ruminants depending on prior experience. Naïve

animals seem to refuse leaves on the basis of smell, often rejecting them without tasting, suggesting

that the problem lies with volatile compounds released from the leaf surface. However, no palatability

problems are reported in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Colombia or Guatemala where successive generations
of ruminants have been fed gliricidia. Wilting leaves for 12-24 hours before feeding increases

intake. Prior experience is the most important attribute of palatability , so that local landraces are most

preferred. While naïve animals are used, provenances from Mexico tend to be less palatable compared

to those from Costa Rica and Colombia.

Toxicity

Toxicity well known in Central America, where the leaves or the ground bark, mixed

with cooked maize, are used as a rodenticide. This toxicity is thought to be due to the conversion by

bacteria of coumarin to dicoumerol during fermentation. May be toxic or inhibit growth of

monogastric animals such as rabbits and poultry if fed as a sufficiently high component of the

diet. Little evidence of toxic effects with ruminants fed either fresh or wilted leaves.

HCN concentrations of up to 4 mg/kg and cyanogens may be present. High levels of nitrates (during

the rainy season) are suspected of causing `cattle fall syndrome' in Colombia, but levels declined to

negligible in winter. Gliricidia may be a `nitrate accumulator'. Unidentified alkaloids and tannins have

also been reported. Evidence of toxicity under practical feeding conditions is limited. The balance of

evidence suggests that the plant may be toxic to non-ruminants but conclusive evidence of toxicity to

ruminants under normal feeding is lacking.

Production potential

Annual leaf DM production varies from 2-20 t/ha/year, depending on a wide range of

factors. In fodder plots, annual yields of 5-16 t/ha of leaf DM, or up to 43 t/ha fresh leaves have been

obtained. In Nigeria, gliricidia hedgerows interplanted with 4 rows of Panicum grasses yielded 20

t/ha/year of total DM (grass and gliricidia).

Severe leaf fall occurs following flowering in seasonally dry environments. Harvesting of leaf in the

early dry season will delay flowering, prevent or limit losses from leaf fall, and maximise regrowth. In
West Timor, Indonesia, highest levels of dry season (March-November) forage yields were obtained

from harvesting in April and again in June and August.

Animal production

Gliricidia is normally used as a green forage, protein supplement to low-quality tropical

forages and by-products for cattle, sheep and goats. It may be used as the sole feed in the dry

season. Feeding levels have been 1-3% of body weight for cattle and goats, indicating a

supplementation level of 30-100%, although a 20-40% level is more common. Increases in liveweight

gains of approximately 25% have been reported for steers grazing gliricidia-grass pastures, compared

with steers grazing grass alone. Results from experiments with dairy cows and buffaloes reported

similar or slightly increased milk yield and milk fat yield when concentrates were replaced by gliricidia

forage up to about 25% of intake. The effects of gliricidia forage on reproducing ruminants have been

variable. In one trial, ewes supplemented with gliricidia produced a higher lamb crop, better lamb

weights and had reduced ewe weight loss compared with those not fed gliricidia. In an unrelated trial,

lambing results were poorer when gliricidia was fed, due to lower feed intake, possibly as a result of

insufficient adaptation to the forage . Laying chickens fed sun-cured gliricidia at 4.5% of total diet gave

good egg production, egg weight and yolk colour. Yellow yolk colour can be achieved by feeding

milled leaves at 2-4% of the ration. Diets containing up to 10% gliricidia can be fed to growing chicks

without affecting performance and survival, but higher rates may have anti-nutritive effects.

Genetics/breeding

There are no breeding programs involving gliricidia. The Oxford Forestry Institute

evaluated 28 provenances of gliricidia in multi-location trials. See notes below on promising

accessions. There appears to be only small gains achievable from recurrent selection for leaf biomass

(8% from a single cycle of selection).

Seed production

Produces abundant seed. Seeds are shed from pods through explosive dehiscence with seed

dispersal distances of up to 40 m. Seed production varies with provenance, ranging from 75 kg/ha for

Belen Rivas up to 180 kg/ha for Monterrico, based on 7 seeds/pod and a seed weight of 8,000 seeds/kg.

Wood Shavings

Wood Shavings ordinarily come from air-dried or kiln-dried wood. Shavings and sawdust

produced from machining dry wood of a single species afford their producer the best prospects for

marketing waste material. Uniform particle sizes (achieved by screening) are needed for some uses. For

most uses only fresh material is acceptable. Sawdust and shavings, when exposed to the weather,

deteriorate very rapidly and lose much of their value. Mixed dry sawdusts are good for briquetting for

fuel. Absorbency, bulk, and chemical composition combine to make sawdust and shavings or chipped

wood and bark of value in improving the physical condition of soil especially after the material is used

as bedding for animals or poultry before application to the land. The economics of this outlet have been

examined .Although wood itself contains no appreciable fertilizer chemicals, wood particles used as

bedding can absorb liquid manure, which contains 90 percent of the total nitrogen in manure, in

addition to carrying the solid manure.

Resin

Any of various of the solid or semi-solid amorphous fusible flammable natural organic

substances that usually transparent, or tanslucent yellowish to brown.

History of Isocyanate
 Isocyanate resins were developed during World War II and quickly became known as

adhesives that can bond ‘‘anything to anything’’ (Marra, 1992). Since they were first introduced to the

German particleboard market in the early 1970s, the use of MDI (4,4’-methylenediphenyl isocyanate)

binders in composite panels has grown significantly. Isocyanates are a family of highly reactive, low

molecular weight chemicals. They are widely used in the manufacture of flexible and rigid foams,

fibers, coatings such as paints and varnishes, and elastomers, and are increasingly used in the

automobile industry, autobody repair, and building insulation materials. Spray-on polyurethane

products containing isocyanates have been developed for a wide range of retail, commercial, and

industrial uses to protect cement, wood, fiberglass, steel and aluminum, including protective coatings

for truck beds, trailers, boats, foundations, and decks.

Production of Isocynate

Isocyanate may be synthesizes by various methods. The most common method used

commercially to produce isocyanates monomers is the phosgene-based process (Elvers et al 1989). Free

amines are reached with excess phosgene in an inert organic solvent at low temperature; the resulting

slurry carbamoyl chlorides and anime hydrochloride is then heated at elevated temperature in the

presence of the excess phosgene to give the desired isocyanate. However, the industrial use of this

phosgenation process has determined impact on health, safety, and the environment. Because phosgene

is highly toxic and reactive safety precautions and diligent care are required(to prevent accidental

release of this chemical) in process design, plant operation handling, storage and transport of this

hazardous substance. The strong acid by-product, hydrochloric acid, is also a hazardous substance. The

strong acid by-product, hydrochloric acid, is also a hazardous industrial chemical.

Identification and Application of Isocyanate

The most widely used industrial isocyanates and their applications are:

• TDI, toluene di-isocyanate: a liquid, commercially available as a mixture of 2,4 and 2,6 isomers,

which is used to produce flexible foams for furniture and car seats;

• MDI, diphenyl methane di-isocyanate: a solid, commercially available in the form of a concentrated

solution to produce rigid foams for more solid car parts such as car bumper bars or for thermal

insulation;

• HDI, hexamethylene di-isocyanate: a liquid, pre-polymers of which may be used in some paints and

lacquers, increasingly for car re-finishing;

• NDI, naphthalene di-isocyanate: a solid which is used in the manufacture of some elastomers;

• MIC, methyl isocyanate: an intermediate in the production of some pesticides;

• wear-resistant polymers as in shoe soles or small wheels;

• pre-polymers for industrial use;

• glues for a range of applications;

• binding agents for moulding sand in foundries; and

• electrical insulating varnishes.

Philippine National Standards (PNS)

Standards for composite panels are necessary for product to be accepted in major markets to give

distributors assurance that the products acquire minimum exact quality level of standards which first

were accepted for their values before mass production into a common use. Three standard organizations

have a major influence on the quality of composite panels in the United States (U.S.) and other foreign
countries namely the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the American National

Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Standards Organization (ISO) (Youngquist,1997).

Each country generally has developed standards for the production of panel products. In the

Philippines the Bureau of Standards of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) created a

Philippine Standards (PNS) for Particle board.

Cement bonded board was conceptualized as a composite board made up of Agro Forest Materials

and coated with cement. Since the CBB was a new concept developed by the Forest Product and Research

Development Institute, and was categorized as composite boards. In the absence of a criterion specifically

for CBB, the FPRDI adopted the criteria in the Philippine National Standard for Particle Board. In which

the mechanical properties is determined by the following factors Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and Face

Screw Holding (FSH) while its Physical Properties is determined with two factors the Thickness Swelling

Test (TS) and Water Absorption Test (WA). Standard Curing time for 28 days is required for each

manufactured board. Philippine National Standard (PNS) categories the type of board as listed in Table

1. Classifications are accord

ing to the bending strength of the board such as Type 200, Type 150, and Type 100.

The Type 200 refers to as the high density board, Type 150 represents the medium density board

while the Type 100 belongs to the low density fiber board. Also in the table were the corresponding

Bending Strength, Face Screw Holding, Thickness Swelling and Water Absorption requirements for the

different types of board.

Table 1.

PNS Strength Requirement for Particle Board

 Bending Face Screw Thickness Water
Classification Strength Holding Swelling Absorption
kgs/cm2 kgs % %
min mina max max

1. Pressed and
Impregnated
Paper- coated
Particleboards

1.1 Type 200 180 50

1.2 Type150 140 40
20% 40%
1.3 Type 100 80 30

2. Veneered 250
2.1 Longitidunal 90
2.2 Lateral 90
a
Using screw No.7 and boards not less than 12mm thick
b
For boards not less than 15mm thick

Source: Philippine National Standard

PNS Test Method

Physical Properties

Thickness Swelling and Water Absorption

The Thickness Swelling (TS) and Water Absorption (WA) are the tests conducted to measure
the moisture resistance of the particleboard and determine the moisture content of the board as a
percentage of its dry weight.

Weigh the test specimen to an accuracy of 0.1 g. Measure the thickness in an accuracy of 0.1 mm

at four points midway along its side 2.5 cm from the edge of the test specimen and use the average in
computing the thickness swelling. Immerse in water at 28 ± 4º C horizontal to a depth of 3 cm beneath

the water surface, with the smooth surface facing upward.

After 24 hours, remove the specimen and allow draining vertically for 10 minutes. Wipe off

excess water with blotting paper or cloth and weigh the specimen and measure its thickness immediately.

Calculate the water absorption and thickness swelling to the nearest 1.0% by the following formula:

Where:
WA = Water absorption, % TS = Thickness Swelling, %
W1 =Initial mass, g T1= Initial thickness, mm
W2 = Final mass, g T2 = Final thickness, mm

Mechanical Properties

Face Screw Holding

The Face Screw Holding (FSH) is a test conducted on screws threaded into the board to measure

the resistance to withdrawal in a plane normal to the face.

The specimen shall be at least 2.5 cm thick, otherwise glue two or more pieces together to achieve

at the 2.5 cm minimum thickness. Using a 2.8 mm diameter drill, bore lead holes into the test specimen

17 mm at midwidth, at least 5 cm from the end of the specimen. Thread 25 cm n0.10 wood screw into

the specimen. Perform the test immediately after the screw has been embedded.
 Attach the specimen holding fixture to the lower plate of the testing machine. Insert the specimen

in the fixture with the head of the screw up. Engage the head of the screws by the load applying fixture

equipped with a slot for easy attachment. Attach this loading fixture to the upper plate of the testing

machine. Apply load to the specimen throughout the test by a uniform motion of the movable head of

the testing machine at a rate of1.5 mm / min. Compute the Face Screw Holding by the following formula:

Where:
FSH = Face Screw Holding, kg
P1 = Load in the left side, kgf
P2 = Load in the right side, kgf

Modulus of Rupture (Static Bending Strength)

The Modulus of Rupture (MOR) is atest conducted that measures the flexural breaking load

(bending strength) of the board.

Using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) with apparatus as shown in figure 1, apply load to the

finished or smooth surface of the test specimen. At a uniform rate of about 5 cm/min and determine the

maximum load at a span of 10 cm. Calculate the modulus of rupture by the formula:

Where:

MOR = Modulus of rupture kg/cm2

P = Maximum load, kgf
 L = Span, 10 cm
W = width, cm
T = thickness, cm

Universal Testing Machine

A universal testing machine, also known as a universal tester,materials testing

machineor materials test frame, is used to test the tensile stress and compressive strength of materials. It

is named after the fact that it can perform many standard tensile and compression tests on materials,

components, and structures.

Components

Load cell refers to a force transducer or other means of measuring the load is required.

Periodiccalibration is usually called for.

Cross headis a movable cross head (crosshead) is controlled to move up or down. Usually this is

at a constant speed: sometimes called a constant rate of extension (CRE) machine. Some machines can

program the crosshead speed or conduct cyclical testing, testing at constant force, testing at constant

deformation, etc. Electromechanical, servo-hydraulic, linear drive, and resonance drive are used.

Output devicerefers to the means of providing the test result when needed. Some older machines

have dial or digital displays and chart recorders. Many newer machines have a computer interface for

analysis and printing.

Test fixtures refers to the specimen holding jaws, and related sample making equipment are

called for in many test methods.

 The set-up and usage are detailed in a test method, often published by a standards organization.

This specifies the sample preparation, fixturing, gauge length (the length which is under study or

observation), analysis, etc.

Once the machine is started it begins to apply an increasing load on specimen. Throughout the

tests the control system and its associated software record the load and extension or compression of the

specimen.

Machines range from very small table top systems to ones with over 53 MN (12 million lbf)

capacity.

Analysis of the Compressive Strength of Concrete Using Kakawate (Gliricidia sepium) Jacq.

Kunth Ex Walph. Wood Ash Cement

The acceptable disposal waste such as ash and sludge is a growing problem. A related problem

is the recycling of other waste materials such as tires, glass and plastics. Because of the high-volume of

kakawate tree in the region and that ash of kakawate wood is considered waste taken from dirty kitchen

of every household, the researchers as engineers instigated to recycle the ash for admixture

construction material for low-cost housing projects. With this study the researchers first proved that the

compressive strength of concrete cylinder mixed with kakawate (Gliricidia sepium) Jacq. Kunth ex

walph using the proportion 20% ash and 80% cement for the mixture 1:2:3 can achieve the consistent

quality demanded a safe concrete structures. The result of the laboratory testing can be a basis in

proceeding with other proportions. Information is needed about the wood material’s physical

properties. Further, environmental and waste management issues must be discussed as basis for the

acceptability and practicability of waste and recycled material (WRMs). Researchers may consider the

sustainability and practicability of kakawate ash and cement ratio recommended for construction of
low-cost housing projects without sacrificing the strength of the structure. (Aman, Amistad, Rabena

2009)

Physical and Mechanical Properties of the Thermoplastic Composite from Gliricidia Sepium

The study was conducted to determine the fiber morphology, density and the chemical properties of

Gliricidia sepium concerning tree age. Thermoplastic composite boards of four variables: three tree

ages (1,2 and 6 years old tree), four wood particles sizes (75JU, 125^, 250|a and unscreen), three filler

loadings (10, 30 and 50%), maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) additions unMAPP and

3% MAPP was manufactured and tested for tensile, impact, dimensional stability, bending properties

conforming to the BS and ASTM standards. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of tensile test

samples was performed to determine the bonding sites as evidence of bonding.

In fiber morphology, the fibers were short (approximately 0.9mm) while the fiber wall thickness

remained the same for all age groups. The fiber diameter and lumen width was the highest with older

tree. The specific gravity and chemical properties increase with age. Most of the properties studied

increased with age except for fiber wall thickness that was approximately the same. Gliricidia-filled

thermoplastic composite board properties varied significantly with tree age, particle size, filler loading

and MAPP addition. An increase in particle size resulted in the decrease mechanical properties and

water absorption (WA). Smaller particles were found to be more homogenous with the thermoplastic

matrix giving better mechanical properties. The WA and mechanical properties of the thermoplastic

composite were significantly affected by increasing the amount of filler loadings. Without MAPP as

the coupling agent, the wood particles behaved as standard fillers. The addition of MAPP was found to

improve the filler dispersion leading to better mechanical strength. SEM images gave clear indications

of interactions in the matrix between MAPP (3%) and unMAPP (0%) thermoplastic boards. The

specific objective of this study was to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the
thermoplastics composites from Gliricidia sepium in relation to tree age, wood particles size, filler

loading and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) addition. (Yamani 2011)

Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp.: hardwood with potential for pulp and paper-making.

The anatomy of the wood of Gliricidia sepium has been studied for suitability as pulpwood.

Dimensions of the wood fibre were measured microscopically to determine Runkel ratio and the

Flexibility coefficient. The fibre morphology ratios inform preliminary decisions on the suitability of

the species as pulpwood. Slides of microtome sections were made of the wood for microscopic study of

the cell and tissue types and their relative proportions that constitute the wood. Low Runkel and high

Flexibility ratios and a preponderance of fibres relative to other cells are desirable and would normally

encourage the pulping and paper-making trials. The wood was pulped and hand-made paper sheets

were tested for physical strength properties. The studies were duplicated for Gmelina arborea, which is

already in use as pulp and paper-making hardwood, for comparison. Gliricidia sepium has Runkel ratio

of 1.22 and coefficient of flexibility of 0.45 compared with Gmelina's 0.19 and 0.88 respectively. The

relative fibre volume for Gliricidia is 58.9% and about 41% other cells combined, while Gmelina has

72% fibres and 28% all other cells together. Pulp yields in Gliricidia and Gmelina are 46.5% and

49.2% respectively, while both species showed some good physical properties in the paper sheets:
Gliricidia produced Burst property of 3.75 kg cm-2 and Tear of 155 g at pulp freeness of 51°SR, while

Gmelina recorded 3.98 kgcm-2 and Tear of 165 g at freeness 36°SR. These values of physical strength

properties combined with the reported features of the wood anatomy and the vegetative growth

characteristics reported from the literature support the conclusion that Gliricidia sepium has great

potential as a good pulpwood. (Kpikpi, W. M.; Sackey, I.)

Coconut Midrib Bonded Board

Considering the Philippine economic status, most of the Filipinos cannot afford to buy quality

materials. Because of that the researcher came up with an idea of using coconut midrib as materials for

cement board. The study used the experimental method to determine the most effective composition of

coconut midrib and cement using 10:90, 30:70, and 50:50 coconut midrib:cement ratio. Another variable

considered were the water content of 60%, 80% and 100% and the used of accelarators such as calcium

chloride and aluminum sulfate. The test result yielded that the midrib content affects the physical and

mechanical property of the board. Also, the water content contributed to the strength of the board, while,

the accelerator did not contributed in any factor (Buenaventura, et.all,2011).

Preliminary Report on Utilization Potential of Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud for Timber

Declining availability of the prime economic species in timber market has led to the introduction of

Lesser-Used-Species (LUS). Their acceptability demands information on their wood technical properties. This

study investigates wood properties of Gliricidia sepium to determine its potential for timber in Nigeria. Test

specimens obtained from three trees at breast height were prepared according to BS 373 standard and Poku et al.

(2001). Hatt-Turner impact machine and Hounsfield Tensometer were used to determine mechanical
properties. Mean Moisture Content (MC) of 8.62% was insignificantly lower in the wood nearest the pith.

Wood Basic Density (WBD) was significantly (p<0.05) heavier (1062.7 kg m-3) nearest the pith than nearest the

bark (987.8 kg m-3) with a mean of 1025.3 kg m-3. Tangential (TS) and Volumetric Shrinkage (VS) were

significantly higher in the wood nearest the bark with mean of 4.3 and 6.9%, respectively. Mean impact bending

was 0.65 m with no significant difference between the wood samples. Modulus Of Rupture (MOR) and elasticity

(MOE) were significantly higher (153.8, 7678.1 N mm-2) nearest the pith than 85.8 and 5580.21 N mm-2 for

wood nearest the bark, respectively. Significant correlation exists between MC vs WBD, r = -0.82; RS vs TS, r =

0.91 and VS, r = 0.97; TS vs VS, r = 0.97; IB vs MOR/MOE, r = -0.83 and MOR, r = 0.89; MOR vs

MOR/MOE, r = 0.90; MOR/MOE vs RS, r = -0.91 and MOR/MOE vs VS, r = -0.86. G. sepium has potential to

be a major LUS timber and could substitute some economic species in Nigeria’s timber market.

Conceptual Framework

Based on the foregoing concepts, theories and findings of related Iiterature, studies and insights

taken from them, a conceptual model was developed as shown below.

 INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT
• Knowledge
Requirements

Particle Board Gathering of Materials

Glicirdia Sepuim PARTICLE BOARD
Resin Preparation of Materials USING GLICIRDIA
PNS SEPIUM(MADRE
Evaluation System Mixing CACAO) AND
ISOCYANATE AS
• Tools /Equipment Molding
BINDER
Pressing
Weighing Scale
Hydraulic Hot Press Curing
Universal Testing machine
Cross Cut Saw
Basin

EVALUATION
 Figure 1. Conceptual Model of the Study

The conceptual model as illustrated in Figure 3 shows the different stages of the process involved

to achieve the objectives of the study.

The input stage involves the knowledge requirements to gather ideas in the different medium of

instruction for the conceptualization of the study, and the tools and equipment needed in the development

of this research.

The second stage involves the material gathering, preparation of materials needed, mixing,

molding, and pressing of composite materials, the curing time for the specimen, testing of physical and

mechanical properties of the specimen and the analysis of data gathered.The material gathering includes

the collection of wood shaving being collected in some furniture shop near in Lemery Batangas. Molding

is a process of developing the specimen into its desired shape. Curing was a processed to condition the

board.

The evaluation stage is the assessment of the output in the following criteria: Aesthetics,

Workability, Durability, Economy,Safety, and Saleability.

Operational Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined operationally to better understand the project study:

Curing It is important aspect of construction work and especially most important

in case of cement concrete is hard, stronger and durable.

Mixing is to combine or put together to form one substance or mass.

Molding is a process in which a composite material will be formed into its desired

shape.

Particle Board refers to the another panel product, is manufactured of particles of

wood glued together.

Pressing refers to the application of a pressure.

Ratio is a relation in degree or number two similar things.

Resin refers to the bonding material used in manufacturing composite

panel.

Utilization is the primary method by which asset performance is measured.

 Modulus of Rupture the measure of the force necessary to break a given substance across as

a beam, expressed by eighteen times the load which is required to

break a bar of one inch square, supported flat wise at two points one

foot apart, and loaded in the, middle between the points of support.

Thickness Swelling Test determines the amount of water the board will absorb after soaking

for a specific time.

Moisture Content is the quantity of water contained in a material, such as soil, rock

ceramics or wood. Water content is used in a wide range from 0

(completely dry) to the value of the materials’ porosity at saturation.

Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY
 In this chapter, the methods of the study are displayed. the steps was followed for

the accurate result of the study; the methods from gathering the latest test of the sample

of materials. This chapter also shows the project design, project development,

experimentation, testing and evaluation procedure.

Project Design

The particleboard in this study is made up of Gliricidia sepium ( Madre Cacao) shavings and

Isocyanate. These two components are mixed together, folded and pressed into the desired density and

temperature of the board. Three experimental designs were used in this study. The board has a dimension of

30cmx30cmx1.2cm and has the density of 0.5g/cc.

Design composition

MIX DESIGN Gliricidia Sepium Gliricidia Sepium Isocyanate

(Madre Cacao)- (Madre Cacao)Shavings
Shavings Isocyanate
Ratio

1 99:1 534.6 g 5.4 g

2 98.2 529.9 g 10.8 g

3 97:3 523.8 g 16.2 g

Project Development

Kakawate (Madre Cacao) wood shavings and Isocynate were the two chosen components to be

studied. The Kakawate (Madre Cacao) wood shavings were collected from some furniture shop in
Lemery Batangas and Isocyanate as binder. The three Replications per treatment level was tested using

Modulus of Rupture, Nail head Pull Thru, Screw-Holding Strength, Thickness Swelling, and Water

Absorption test for each composition respectively.

Gathering of Materials

Preparation of Materials

Mixing

Pressing

Curing

Testing

Figure 2. Project Development

EXPERIMENTATION AND TESTING PROCEDURE

Experimentation Procedure

The research gathered wood shavings (Madre Cacao) and Isocynate was the primary

component of a particle board.

 a) Recycled wood shavings as a raw material were collected from furniture shop in

Lemery Batangas.

b) Isocynate will be bought in Carmona, Cavite .

1. Preparation of Materials:

a. The collected recycled wood shavings were sieved to remove dust.

b. Isocyanate is bought in Carmona, Cavite

2. Mixing Method

a. Mix the sieved wood shavings and Isocyanate in a steel or polyester

container.

3. Molding Method

a. Fill the molder with wood shavings and Isocyanate mixture.

4. Pressing of Specimen

Put the mold into a conventional pressing machine, and apply a constant pressure

within 3 hours. After removing the blocks from the forms, let them set until they are dry

enough to handle without falling or breaking apart.

6. Curing of Specimen
 Move the boards to a drying area in the direct sun or under a shed to protect them

from the weather. Vertically stack them and let them completely dry for about 3 days.

7. Trimming of Boards into Test Pieces

Trim the board into its test pieces. For modulus of rupture cut 3 pcs 30 cm x 30 cm

x 12mm board per treatment level, for Face Screw Holding 3 pcs 30 cm x 30 cm board per

treatment level and for the thickness swelling and water absorption cut 3 pcs 30 cm x 30 cm

board per treatment level.

8. Testing of Boards

The testing of specimen was done after 10 curing days. The specimen was subjected

to Physical and Mechanical Property tests that are required by the Philippine National

Standard.

Testing Procedures

All Testing procedure were in accordance to the PNS 230:1989 Specification for Particle Board.
Physical Properties

The Thickness Swelling (TS) and Water Absorption (WA) are the testsconducted to measure the

moisture resistance of the particleboard and determine the moisture content of the board as a percentage

of its dry weight.

The following are the procedures for TS and WA test:

a. Weigh the test specimen to an accuracy of 0.1 g;

b. Measure its thickness to an accuracy of 0.1 mm at four points midway along its side 2.5 cm

away from the edge of the test specimen, and use the average in the computation of thickness

swelling;

c. Immerse in water at 28 ± 4º centigrade horizontal to a depth of 3cm beneath the water surface;

d. After 24 hours, remove the specimen and allow draining vertically for 10 minutes;

e. Wipe off excess with blotting paper or cloth;

f. Weigh the specimen and record its thickness immediately; and

g. Calculate the WA/ TSto the nearest 1.0 %.

Mechanical Properties

The Modulus of Rupture (MOR) is atest conducted that measures the flexural breaking load

(bending strength) of the board.

The following are the procedures for MOR test:

a. Using a standard testing machine with apparatus. Carefully place the specimen in the Universal

Testing Machine below the center of the upper bearing block;

 b. Apply a load to the surface of the test specimen at a uniform rate of about 5 cm/min and

determine the maximum load at a span of 10 cm; and

c. Calculate the MOR.

The Face Screw Holding (FSH) is a test conductedon screws threaded into the board to measure the

resistance to withdrawal in a plane normal to the face.

The following are the procedures for FSH test:

a. The specimen shall be at least 2.5 cm thick, otherwise, glue two or more pieces together to

achieve a 2.5 cm minimum thickness;

b. Using a 2.8 mm diameter drill, bore lead holes into the test specimen 17 mm at midwidth, at

least 5 cm from the end of the specimen;

c. Tread 25 cm no. 10 wood screw into the specimen;

d. Perform the test immediately after the screw has been embedded;

e. Attached the specimen holding fixture to the lower plate of the testing machine;

f. Insert the specimen in the fixture with the head of the screws up;

g. Engage the head of the screws by the load applying fixture with a slot for easy attachment;

h. Attach this loading fixture to the upper plate of the testing machine;

i. Apply load to the specimen throughout the test by a uniform motion of the movable head of the

testing machine at a rate of 1.5 mm /min; and

j. Calculate the FSH

Evaluation Procedure
 The Technological University of the Philippines Evaluation Instrument for Developed

Prototypewas used to determine the acceptability of CBB’s withthe followingcriteria: Aesthetics,

Workability, Durability, Economy, Safety and Saleability.

The following is the list of steps undertaken:

1. Evaluation forms were distributed to five (5) Project Managers, five (5) Building Construction

material suppliers, five (5) Skilled Workers;

2. After explaining the details, the respondents rated the product for the above mentioned criteria

based on the Likert Scales as shown in Table 3. One (1) being the lowest (Poor) and five (5)

being the highest (Highly Acceptable);

3. Evaluation results were tabulated to compute for the mean of each criterion and the over all mean

respectively;

4. The results were interpreted using the scale shown in table 4.