Feasibility of using low resin content levels in the production of bamboo particle composite: basic properties

In this study, the suitability of Semantan bamboo (Gigantochloa scortechinii) particles in the production of single-layered composite board was investigated. The effects of different resin types and lower resin content levels on the basic properties (mechanical and physical properties) of particle composite board made from G. scortechinii were determined. The 12-mm thickness boards with dimension of 340 × 340 mm and targeted density of 660 kg/m3 were fabricated. Types of resin used were melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF) and urea formaldehyde (UF), while resin content levels were 3.5 and 5%. In general, the mechanical and physical properties of board blended with MUF resin were better than UF due to the presence of melamine in MUF that influenced the properties. Board made from 5% resin content were better in term of mechanical and physical properties than 3.5% resin content levels. 5% resin content level had increased the particles bonding ability, thus influenced the excellent properties of the board. However, in general, the properties of bamboo particle composite board in this study were not comparable to the board made from wood. Only IB properties of bamboo particle composite board exceeded the minimum requirements as stipulated in standards. As a consequence, the information of particle composite board made from bamboo is important in assessing bamboo’s usefulness as an alternative raw material for wood-based industries. The final results obtained could be used as reference for researchers and manufacturers.

Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Formability in Incremental Sheet Forming of Particle Reinforced Metal Matrix Composite Sheets

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) have a high strength-to-weight ratio, high stiffness, and good damage resistance under a wide range of operating conditions, making them a viable alternative to traditional materials in a variety of technical applications. Because of their high strength, composite materials are hard to deform to a significant depth at room temperature. As a result, additional treatments are required to enhance the composite's room ductility prior to deformation. In this investigation, as-received 6092Al/SiCp composite sheets (T6-condition) are heat treated to O-condition annealing to enhance its ductility in order to assess the influence of single point incremental forming (SPIF) parameters on the formability and fracture behavior of the Al/SiC particle composite sheets at room temperature. Then the annealed sheets are heat treated to T6-condition to enhance the strength and achieve properties equivalent to as-received sheets properties. The results demonstrate that the Al/SiC particle composite sheets with T6 treatment could not be deformed to the specified depth at room temperature due to low room ductility and that further treatment, such as O-condition annealing, is required to enhance the room ductility. When annealed Al/SiCp composite sheets are heat treated to T6, the sheets exhibit properties comparable to the as-received sheets. Al/SiC particle composite sheets with low SPIF parameters may have greater formability and fracture depth with low strain hardening curve.