A NEW technological innovation, called the Pops (Parallel Oil Palm Strand) Lumber, is creating waves all over the world as an alternative raw material for various wood-based products.
Over the past seven years, Malaysian scientists have been researching the use of oil palm trunk for plywood.
According to FRIM Flagship Project MYScrim director Datuk Dr Marzalina Mansor, the drying of the oil palm trunk could not be rushed."If we dry it too fast, it won’t be smooth".
In July 2007, an idea struck the researchers at FRIM. Instead of drying the trunk into veneer, they decided to crush the wood into strands and glue them back under a certain pressure.
“The best part is that the clients can customise the wood to their requirements. They can decide on the weight of the wood, its structure and how compact it should be,” Dr Wan Tarmeze said
Strong: The furniture made from Pops Lumber is sturdy and customers can customise the raw material to their needs
Quality product: Dr Marzalina holding up a block of Pops Lumber that features carving; note that the edges have not been chipped
To read more
[souce : From Waste to Wealth, The Star, March 8, 2010 ]
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