Exploring the Potential of Gigantochloa levis and Gigantochloa scortechinii Bamboo Species for Plybamboo Production

Abstract

Gigantochloa levis and G. scortechinii bamboo species were evaluated as material for plybamboo production. Plybamboo was composed of three layers with 12 mm thickness and used phenol formaldehyde (PF) as their binder. Representative samples were cut and tested for bonding, physical, mechanical, and finishing properties. Results indicated that G. levis plybamboo exhibited higher bending strength property compared to G. scortechinii plybamboo, as indicated by its higher modulus of rupture (121 N/mm2) and modulus of elasticity (16300 N/mm2). The G. levis plybamboo also displayed higher bond shear strength and was dimensionally stable compared to G. scortechinii plybamboo. The finishing properties revealed that all coatings performed well in the cross-cut tape and pull-off tests. Notably, plybamboo from both bamboo species showed excellent coating film adhesion. Based on minimum standard requirement, results revealed that both bamboo species were suitable to be used in plybamboo production for general use. The findings showed that those species are valuable renewable natural resources for plybamboo production and had potential to be utilized as a substitute for wood in board production.

Keywords

• physical properties
• mechanical properties
• finishing properties
• plybamboo
• gigantochloa levis
• gigantochloa scortechinii