Papers by Author: Mohd Ariff Jamaludin

Abstract: This study evaluated the effect on bending strength of hydrothermal treatment on kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) fibres of high density fibreboards (HDF) at elevated temperatures. HDF were manufactured from untreated and treated kenaf fibres at three different temperatures that were 100, 130 and 150 °C for 30 minutes in a laboratory autoclave. The bending strength of panel referred to MOE and MOR of sample were analyzed. Bending strength of panel was increased with the increased of temperature. HDF panels made from hydrothermally treated kenaf fibres at 150°C has the higher MOE value and can be used as the building partition or application that needed high elasticity materials.

Abstract: The use of alternative materials from agriculture and plantation bio-mass has widely been researched especially for use in bio-composites. These bio-mass have been used in flour form as fillers, in fibre form as reinforcements and in both flour and fibre forms as bulking agents. These bio-mass not only enhanced the composites but also help to reduce the burden on natural fibres from the forests. Furthermore, these bio-mass fibres can be used as an alternative or supplementary raw material in composites such as fibre glass-polymer composites by replacing part of the synthetic fibres, if not all, depending on the final application of the finished composites. Combining one material with other materials provides a strategy for producing advanced composite materials that take advantage of the properties especially bending strength of both types of resources. It allows the researcher to design materials based on end-use requirements within a framework of cost, availability, recyclability, energy use, and environmental considerations. This paper reports on the bending strength of MDF from kenaf, oil palm EFB, and from admixtures of EFB and kenaf in different ratios. Production of composite material from these diversified resources will not only help to reduce the pressure on natural forests, it is also an alternative to overcome waste disposal problems in palm oil industries. The results indicate that kenaf and EFB could be mixed to produce MDF. The panel produced can be used for furniture components such as table tops and shelves, wall partitions and door panels.

Abstract: This paper discusses the results from a study that has been undertaken to develop a product from bamboo culm’s outer skin that was considered as wastes. Initially, by means of a simple process of gluing and pressing, bamboo panel composites were produced with Gigantochloa scortechinii bamboo skin wastes. Using existing sandwich technology, layered or sandwich panel were then produced using the bamboo skin wastes panel as the core material while plywood were used as the outer layer. The aim was to access the bending strength of the bamboo skin wastes panel, the sandwich panel and subsequently to compare them with common bamboo composites that utilized either strips or splits in their production process. Though the product has limited strength and is restricted to interior and non-structural components, it is still very well suitable for wall, doors, tabletops and shelves.