a b s t r a c t
This study was carried out to explore the possibility of making cement-bonded wood–wool composite
building products using eucalypt (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and poplar (Populus deltoides). The experimental
design consisted of three treatments – ratio of wood–wool mixture, percentage concentration of
cement, and calcium chloride (CaCl2). The mechanical properties in terms of modulus of rupture (MOR),
modulus of elasticity (MOE) and internal bond (IB) strength were investigated. The ratios of wood–wool
to cement were 40:60 and 60:40 by weight. The addition of the woody material to cement clearly reduced
the maximum hydration temperature and increased the time to maximum temperature. Eucalypt was
generally less compatible with cement than poplar wood. Test results showed that boards made with
poplar wood–wools had superior properties compared to the eucalypt and mixed wood–wools. The presence
of eucalypt in mixture of woody materials typically resulted in decrease in mechanical properties.
It has been noted that a dose of 5% of CaCl2 by weight of cement can enhance the effect of cement.
Application of Duncan’s Multiple Range Test for the mean values of the results showed that the effects
of all variables and their interactions on the mechanical properties in terms of MOR, MOE and IB were
highly significant (p
≤
0.01%). The mechanical properties of most produced boards were found to satisfy
the minimum requirements of ISO standard.