Viability of Panels Processed from Elaeis guineensis (Oil Palm) Trunk for Use as Interior Wall Cladding Material

Abstract

Abstract: This study assesses the suitability of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) trunks for interior wall cladding, with the aim of developing a new use for oil palm trunks that have outlived their primary purpose of fruit production. Selected physio-mechanical properties of Elaeis guineensis were determined on small air-dry wood specimens collected from top, middle, and bottom regions of the trunk. Strips of uniform thickness were laminated, visually graded, and installed for real life evaluation. Analysis of Variance at P = 0.05 revealed a significant difference for samples from the three regions of the tree for all properties evaluated. Physical and mechanical property results fell within C30 to D50 strength class of BS 5268-2:2002, indicating moderate suitability for structural and semi-structural applications. Conversion process revealed the need for machines with stiff blades, high speed and torque for conversion of Elaesis guineensis due to the high cutting resistance of the wood, which dulls blades relatively faster. High aesthetic appeal and dimensional stability of Elaesis guineensis indicate suitability for wall panels and non-structural applications like woodcraft items production, although real-life assessment indicatedmoderate susceptibility to powder-post beetle after about 20 months of installation. Therefore, Elaesis guineensis wood harvested from replantation operations have relatively high potential of augmenting wood material supply but requires pre-treatment for improved durability.