EFFECTS OF MOISTURE CONTENT AND SAWING PATTERN ON THE GLUING OF MERANTI TEMBAGA (<em>SHOREA</em> <em>LEPROSUIA</em>)

Abstract

The effects of two moisture content levels, namely air dry and 12 to 15% range, on the gluing performance of meranti tembaga of different sawing patterns were examined using various types of adhesives. Three different tests were carried out: block shear, delamination and weather exposure tests. The block shear test showed that all treatment combinations produced satisfactory bonding strength meeting the requirement stipulated in the Malaysian Standards. The laboratory delamination test results, however, revealed that timbers glued at air dry condition were generally inferior to those glued at 12 to 15% moisture content level. The weather exposure test further strengthened the need to adhere to the lower moisture content level in order to obtain a more reliable performance.