Advanced Materials Research Vol. 879

Abstract: Malaysian government has already built the first glulam structure in Malaysia with the aim of demonstrating the potentialities of using indigenous hardwood timber for glulam. Since Malaysia possesses a vast variety of timber species, hence there is a need to identify suitable species for glulam manufacturing. This paper presents the bending performance of Malaysian hardwood glulam beams, manufactured from different categories namely heavy, medium and light hardwood timbers. A series of tests were carried out on the glulam beam that includes bending test, delamination test and shear test of glue line. Results in this study will be useful to manufacturers interested in using Malaysian hardwood for glulam beams.

Abstract: This paper presents the outcomes of an experimental investigation on the effect of feedstock preparation to the mechanical properties and microstructures of green compacts formed at above ambient temperature. A lab-scale uni-axial die compaction rig was designed and fabricated which enabled the powder forming at elevated temperature. Iron powder ASC 100.29 was mechanically mixed with different quantity of zinc stearate for 10, 30, and 60 minutes, respectively. Green compacts were generated by forming the prepared feedstock at room temperature and 180oC through simultaneous upward and downward axial loading. The defect-free green compacts were subsequently characterized for their physical and mechanical properties and their microstructures were evaluated. The results revealed that the characteristics of green products were affected by feedstock preparation as well as forming temperature. From this study, the suitable zinc stearate content, mixing time, and forming temperature were identified for the generation of high quality green compacts through warm forming route.