Plywood Filling from Mahogany (Swietenia mahogani) Fruit Shells

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The researchers aim to make high quality plywood filling from mahogany fruit shells and conserve trees in the environment. The use of mahogany fruit (Swieteniamahogany) shells can help in producing plywood filling to reduce waste. This will benefit the consumers, environment, and future researchers.

METHODS

This study used experimental method. The independent variable is the process of preparing mahogany fruit shells as the main ingredient of the plywood filling. The dependent variable is the quality of each finished plywood filling.To arrive at a result, the researchers gathered data by testing its parameters specifically durability, nail holding capacity, shock resistance and water resistance. Data were tabulated for comparison and analysis.

RESULTS

No damage was observed in Set-ups A, B, and C when the product was tested for its durability. The product was dropped from 2, ,4, and 6 feet high respectively. While in testing its nail holding capacity, the nail was easily installed in the produced plywood. In testing its shock resistance, when a 5 kg object was dropped to the produced plywood from 1, 2, 3 feet high, no damage was observed in Set-ups A and B. A slight damage was observed in Set-up C. When the products were soaked in the water for 15, 30, 60 minutes respectively, Set-ups A and B turned dark while the two thin sheets of Set-up C separated. The produced plywood from mahogany fruit shell with 12 mm thickness costs Php150.00 and helps to conserve trees. The commercial plywood with 12 mm in thickness costs Php400.00 and uses trees as its main material.

DISCUSSIONS

The findings revealed that the most effective combination of ingredients in producing plywood filling was 200 grams of pulverized mahogany fruit shells and 200 grams of wood glue. After subjecting the product to physical tests, it was observed that there was no damaged part on the test for durability. After the test for nail holding capacity, it was observed that the nails were easily installed in the produced plywood. In the test for shock resistance, although some marks were seen after a 5-kg object was dropped from 3 ft high, the produced plywood was not destroyed. On the other hand, in the water absorption test, the produced plywood turned dark. Plywood with mahogany as filling showed similar characteristics as that of commercial plywood.