Effects of strand length and layer structure on some properties of strandboard made from bamboo

Strandboard panels were experimentally produced from moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) using various strand lengths and layer structures to evaluate the effects of manufacturing parameters on panel properties. The strandboard was fabricated in a laboratory using diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) resin and laboratory-made strands of four lengths and four different structures. Strand alignment distributions and concentration parameter (k) values were greatly affected by strand length. A linear correlation was found between the value of k and the modulus of rupture (MOR), with correlation coefficients of 0.81 and 0.93 for unidirectional boards and three-layer boards, respectively. This correlation may be used to predict the strength properties of boards. Bending properties were significantly affected by both the strand length and the layer structure of the bamboo strandboard tested. Elasticity data from unidirectional boards and random boards can be used to predict the elastic properties of three-layer boards. The linear expansion (LE) of the random boards increased with decreasing strand length. The difficulty in mat forming and resin distribution for longer strands could cause deviation in modulus of elasticity (MOE) and LE, especially in strand lengths around 80 mm.