DEVELOPMENT OF PARTICLEBOARD FROM TROPICAL FAST-GROWING SPECIES FOR ACOUSTIC PANEL

Abstract

KARLINASARI L, HERMAWAN D, MADDU A, MARTIANDI B & HADI YS. 2012. Development of particleboard from tropical fast-growing species for acoustic panel. The aim of this study was to determine the acoustical properties of sound absorption as well as physical and mechanical properties of particleboard made from some tropical fast-growing species. Sengon or jeunijing or albizia (Paraserianthes falcataria), African wood or manii (Maesopsis eminii) and acacia (Acacia mangium) wood from commercial wood markets were used in the study. A commercial diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) adhesive was used to manufacture boards with density targets of 0.5 and
0.8 g cm^-3. The panels were tested for their mechanical and physical properties. Sound absorption coefficient was evaluated using impedance tube method. For particleboard with density of
0.5 g cm^-3, sound absorption was good at high frequencies (f > 1000 Hz). On the other hand, for the
0.8 g cm^-3 particleboard, sound absorption was good at low frequencies (f < 250 Hz). In middle frequencies
(f = 250–800 Hz), sound absorption coefficient decreased significantly. An increase in board density improved board properties, namely, modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bonding (IB) and screw holding power. Based on the findings of this study, particleboards made from tropical fast-growing species are recommended for architectural acoustic in building construction at low and high frequencies of sound.