Author : Surdiding R. Warsa

Summary : Gluability in terms of veneer quality, wettability, and plywood quality of some Indonesian woods such as jati (Tectona grandis L.f.), meranti (Shorea spp.), mahoni (Swietenia macrophylla King), kamper (Dryobalanops aromatica Gaertn f.) and damar (Agathis alba (Lam) Foxw.), and some Philippine woods such as apitong (Dipterocarpus grandiflorus Blanco), bagtikan (Parashorea malaanonan (Blanco) Merr.), igem (Dacrycarpus imbricatus (BL) de Laub), and big-leaved mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) which were glued in either single or combination species was determined. Urea and phenol formaldehyde adhesives which were extended with nami (Dioscorea hispida Dennst), bitter cassava or datu I (Manihot utilissima Pohl), and wheat flours were used. The extension was applied for 0, 10, 20, and 30 percent (Philippine woods) of primary binder as an adhesive. Durability of gluebond was tested by "hot and cold soaking" for type II bond and "cyclic-boil" test for type I bond in plywood. An Export Standard Specification of Japanese Plywood was used to evaluate the quality of plywood. The natural resistance of plywood against dry wood termites was also investigated. Most of the specimens met the standard. Nami flour was comparable with wheat flour, which can be used to extend urea and phenol formaldehyde adhesive up to 75 percent. Cassava flours could be used only up to 25 percent extension. Water extender ratio of 0.5 and 1.0 were applicable for cassava and nami flours, respectively. By proper selection of type of extender and its level, wood species tested were found suitable for making plywood, single or in combination.