Aizat Ghani

Betung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) is a fast-growing, carbon-storing lignocellulosic resource that can relieve harvesting pressure on tropical hardwood, but its high starch and extractive content impairs adhesion and weakens bonded bamboo panels. Steam treatment offers a solvent- and chemical-free route to degrade these components, yet the exposure time best suited to a three-layer, poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc)-bonded plybamboo board (PBB) has not been established for this sheet-based, cross-laminated architecture. We manufactured cross-laminated PBB (30×30×1.5 cm) from betung slats steamed with saturated steam at 126 °C for 0, 30, 45, and 60 min and measured density, moisture content, water absorption, thickness swelling, delamination, and static bending properties parallel and perpendicular to the grain. A short 30 min treatment gave the best mechanical profile, raising density by 11%, lowering water absorption by 19% and thickness swelling by 42%, and increasing parallel-grain modulus of elasticity and rupture by 82% and 56% relative to the untreated control; perpendicular-grain bending was statistically unchanged. The stiffness gain persists after density normalisation: the density-normalised (specific) modulus rose 64%, and panel density explained only 40% of the cross-panel variance in modulus. Longer treatment continued to improve dimensional stability (thickness swelling down 65% at 60 min, significantly below the 30 min value, and delamination down 54%) but progressively lowered density and strength. Measured moisture contents were below the SNI 8032:2014 reference limit (≤14%), and parallel-grain bending strengths exceeded the SNI 01-5008.7-1999 reference value, but none reached the intended 0.7 g cm−3 target density, and modulus of elasticity and perpendicular-grain strength fell short of the structural thresholds. Within this green, water-only process panel densification and adhesive formulation and application warrant further investigation, indicating where future optimisation of sustainable plybamboo should be directed.

Hybrid kenaf/glass fiber reinforced polymer composites have emerged as promising structural materials, garnering significant attention due to their unique blend of natural kenaf fibers and synthetic glass fibers. However, despite their potential, there remains a gap in the comprehensive understanding of their quasi‐static mechanical behavior, creep resistance, and fatigue performance. This paper addresses this gap by presenting recent advancements in studying these key properties of hybrid composites. Studies reveal that the combination of kenaf and glass fibers results in enhanced tensile, flexural, and impact strengths compared to individual fiber composites. Additionally, the hybridization offers improved creep resistance, with the glass fibers reinforcing the polymer matrix against deformation under sustained loads. Furthermore, investigations into fatigue properties demonstrate the resilience of hybrid composites to cyclic loading, contributing to prolonged service life in high‐stress environments. By elucidating the interplay between kenaf and glass fibers, this review underscores the potential of hybrid composites in various structural applications. The synergistic effects between natural and synthetic fibers offer a balance between sustainability, performance, and durability, making hybrid kenaf/glass fiber reinforced polymer composites a compelling choice for industries seeking lightweight, high‐performance materials in which aligns with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) especially on Goal 12. Highlights: In composite engineering, combining glass and kenaf fibers could cut production costs, yield high‐performance materials, and promote green technology. Substituting part of the glass fiber with kenaf can enhance the strength‐to‐weight ratio and promote greater biodegradability in current synthetic composites. Quasi‐mechanical properties of hybrid kenaf/glass‐based composites was enhanced by optimal stacking sequences, filler addition, and fiber treatment. Failures due to fatigue and creep can be reduced by hybridizing kenaf/glass fiber composites can prevent in polymer composite due to enhance elastic modulus. Enhanced tribological performance of hybrid kenaf/glass‐based composites due to less damage in microstructure via good interlocking of kenaf and glass in matrix.

Post-treatment of particleboards using three types of amine compounds namely ethylamine, methylamine and propylamine, were produced with 8% urea formaldehyde (UF) resin content and were hot-pressed for 270 s at 180 °C was carried out. The amine compounds were applied over the surface of the particleboard surface at rate of 40–60 g/m², and the formaldehyde emission value from the board was significantly reduced. In general, the findings of the post-treatment application showed that formaldehyde emissions were successfully decreased from 0.70 mg/L to 0.59–0.33 mg/L without having a substantial impact on the particleboard’s other qualities.

In order to improve the inherently poor properties of oil palm wood (OPW), this study examines the effects of resin molecular weight, diffusion time and compression ratio on the properties of laminated compreg OPW. Treating solutions used were medium molecular weight phenol formaldehyde (MmwPF) and low molecular weight phenol formaldehyde (LmwPF). OPW strips were soaked in the treating solutions for 24 h before wrapping in a plastic bag and leaving them for diffusion for 2, 4 and 6 days, respectively. Then, three-layer laminated compreg OPW were fabricated and compressed in hot press at 150°C for 20 minutes to achieve compression ratios of 55%, 70% and 80%. Results indicated that dimensional stability and mechanical properties of the phenolic resin treated laminated compreg OPW were significantly better than the untreated laminates. MmwPF-treated laminates exhibited inferior properties in comparison to that of LmwPF-treated laminates. Nevertheless, MmwPF-treated laminated compreg OPW emitted significantly lesser formaldehyde.

A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of laminated composite made from phenolic resin-treated wood and bamboo strips. Sesenduk ( Endospermum diadenum ) wood and Sematan bamboo ( Gigantochloa scortechinii ) strips were impregnated using 30% phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin and assembled in different configurations and orientations prior to compreg nation. The assembled samples were then compressed in a hot press at 150 ± 2 °C for 60 minutes. Dimensional stability, hardness, bending, shear and compression strength of the products were assessed. The results revealed that the properties of the compreg laminates were significantly affected by the treatment variables. Laminated compreg wood had inferior mechanical properties compared to laminated compreg bamboo and bamboo/wood hybrid. However, the dimensional stability of laminated compreg wood is the best among the three types of laminates. Samples assembled parallelly possessed better properties. Mixed application of wood and bamboo had imparted respective advantages to the compreg laminates.