Abstract

Low-density sandwich panels with a density ranging from 400 to 450 kg m^-3 were manufactured from oil palm wood for the core and were overlaid with rubberwood veneer. Physical and mechanical properties of the sandwich panel were investigated and compared with commercial wood-based products. Two manufacturing parameters were examined, i.e. two types of grain orientation of the oil palm wood core (parallel and perpendicular to board surface) and three levels of adhesive melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF) resin content (150, 250 and 350 g m^-2 solid basis). Results showed that the sandwich panel made from oil palm wood as core material with rubberwood veneer as facing had better or similar properties compared with commercial products. Core grain orientation had significant effect on various board properties such as thickness swelling, modulus of elasticity and thermal conductivity. On the other hand, level of resin content within the range studied did not influence any property of the boards. With regard to mechanical and thermal conductivity properties, oil palm sandwich panel could be used as a structural insulated material in the building sector. © 2014 Forest Research Institute Malaysia.