Abstract

The study was designed to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of the Cement Bonded Particle Board(CBPB) produced from the residues of three indigenous trees species in Cross River State, Nigeria with sole aim that, the wood waste generated in sawmills can be as an alternative material in particleboard industry. The species were, Achi-gum (Brachystegia eurocoma); Rubber (Hevea-brasiliensis) and white afara (Terminalia superba). Production of the board was carried out systematically. A mixture of 1:1:1 (500g of wood-flour, 500g of cement and 2 litres ofwater) was used. Boiling, Blending, Chemicalization respectively; Moulds and mat were formed. Pressing was carried out at 50k/N. Finally, CBPB was produced. The physical properties of the boards: for Moisture content: Braschystegiaeurocoma= 34.7%, Hevea brasiliensis=34.6% and Terminalia superba=28.6%, Density: Braschystegia eurocoma=0.948g/cm2, Hevea brasiliensis=0.886g/cm2 and Terminalia superba 0.854g/cm2. Water absorption: Braschystegia eurocoma=58.9%, Hevea brasiliensis 57.9% and Terminalia superba-=0.8%. For the mechanical properties:Compressive strength for Brachystegia eurocoma=19.73N/mm2, Hevea brasiliensis=19.84N/mm2 and Terminaliasuperba=22.6 N/mm2. Modulus of rupture: 1.73, 2.83 and 1.66 N/mm2 respectively. The particle boards manufactured was dimensionally stable with low absorption and swelling rate. The strength properties were low and not comparable to other boards as read in literature. This results shows that residues of the endemic tree species could be used for particle board production and also waste in the wood based industries could be turned to wealth creation. Further research should be carried out for panel production with rubber residues that can be more structurally stable.