Physical and mechanical properties of bamboo reconstituted destructured boards/scrimbers prepared from Bambusa nutans Wall. ex Munro using phenol formaldehyde (PF) adhesive

Abstract

In this study, bamboo destructured reconstituted boards/scrimbers were prepared from Bambusa nutans Wall. ex Munro with phenol formaldehyde (PF) adhesive using a hydraulic hot press. The boards were prepared at four different specific pressures, namely 21.0, 24.5, 28.0 and 31.5 kg/cm² and hot pressed. The prepared boards were then tested for their physical and mechanical properties as per Indian standard 1708. Bamboo scrimbers were prepared and tested to evaluate their potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional wood for construction. The mechanical properties of the different bamboo scrimbers were compared with conventional wood species. The results showed that boards prepared at higher pressures (24.5, 28.0 and 31.5 kg/cm²) exhibited comparable or superior properties to commonly used woods such as teak (Tectona grandis L.f.), sal (Shorea robusta C.F.Gaertn.) and khair (Senegalia catechu (L.f.) P.J.H.Hurter & Mabb.), in terms of modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, compression strength, hardness and screw withdrawal capacity. Boards prepared at 31.5 kg/cm² were suitable for heavy structural applications, while boards prepared at 24.5 and 28.0 kg/cm² were suitable for moderate load-bearing applications. Boards prepared at 21.0 kg/cm² were ideal for non-load-bearing uses. The high density, strength, hardness and screw withdrawal capacity of bamboo scrimbers make them suitable for a wide range of construction applications, including flooring, furniture and cladding. These findings demonstrate that bamboo scrimbers are a viable sustainable alternative to traditional wood, potentially reducing the reliance on limited natural wood resources.