Process optimisation in the manufacturing of plywood from oil palm trunk

Paridah Md Tahir, . and Anis Mokhtar, . (2008) Process optimisation in the manufacturing of plywood from oil palm trunk. [Proceedings Paper]

The utilisation of Oil Palm Trunk OPT is governed by several limitations. It is very hygroscopic in nature shrinks and swells at a much higher rate than wood does. Even though it is similar to wood not all parts of the OPT can be used as solid wood. Economically only the outer part of the stem is possible for this purpose as the centre part of the trunk contains only soft parenchyma tissue. The mechanical strength of a solid OPT is generally poor compared to other timber species. The overall poor mechanical properties plus the density variation along the stem have made OPT not suitable for lumber. Instead converting OPT into plywood may be the most effective way for adding value to this material since veneers are thin material and can easily be controlled during peeling drying and compressing. A number of plywood mills have embarked on the use of OPT in the manufacture of plywood. Nevertheless because ofthe weaker and less durable OPT veneers the application of these materials was confined only as core veneers. One of the problems dealing with oil palm trunk plywood is the high moisture found in the veneers that requires relatively longer drying time and more energy. Another limitation is the roughness of the veneer surface resulting in high resin consumption during plywood manufacturing. This paper discusses the fundamental problems encountered in using OPT as raw material in plywood manufacture. Some alternatives to optimize the processing system were also highlighted.

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Abstract

The utilisation of Oil Palm Trunk OPT is governed by several limitations. It is very hygroscopic in nature shrinks and swells at a much higher rate than wood does. Even though it is similar to wood not all parts of the OPT can be used as solid wood. Economically only the outer part of the stem is possible for this purpose as the centre part of the trunk contains only soft parenchyma tissue. The mechanical strength of a solid OPT is generally poor compared to other timber species. The overall poor mechanical properties plus the density variation along the stem have made OPT not suitable for lumber. Instead converting OPT into plywood may be the most effective way for adding value to this material since veneers are thin material and can easily be controlled during peeling drying and compressing. A number of plywood mills have embarked on the use of OPT in the manufacture of plywood. Nevertheless because ofthe weaker and less durable OPT veneers the application of these materials was confined only as core veneers. One of the problems dealing with oil palm trunk plywood is the high moisture found in the veneers that requires relatively longer drying time and more energy. Another limitation is the roughness of the veneer surface resulting in high resin consumption during plywood manufacturing. This paper discusses the fundamental problems encountered in using OPT as raw material in plywood manufacture. Some alternatives to optimize the processing system were also highlighted.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Available at Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor Malaysia. SB 299 P3 N277 2007 Call Number
AGROVOC Term:	Oil palm
AGROVOC Term:	Trunks
AGROVOC Term:	Hygroscopicity
AGROVOC Term:	Plywood
AGROVOC Term:	Biomass
AGROVOC Term:	Polymers
AGROVOC Term:	Replanting
AGROVOC Term:	Deterioration
AGROVOC Term:	Veneers
AGROVOC Term:	Peeling
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Suzila Mohamad Kasim
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:14
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/11857

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