Investigate the most suitable glue type for finger-joints production in Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Finger joint is sustainable, eco-friendly and economically valuable concept for furniture industry. It ensures the sustainable utilization of small wood cut pieces which removed as waste. Finger joints are described as interlocking end joint formed by machining a number of similar tapered symmetrical fingers in the ends of timber members using a finger joint cutter and then bonded together. Finger-jointed timber production plays a vital role in furniture industry in the world. However, issues related with the strength of the joints, fixing time, timber species and glue types etc, are still not fully investigated in Sri Lanka. This research evaluated the effects of commonly available glue types on the tensile strength of finger joint. The wood species studied were Jack, Kumbuk, Mahogany, Pine, and Teak. Mostly used polyvinyl acetate three glue types were used for this study. The response variables measured for the tension tests. Data were gathered using Universal Testing Machine. One way ANOVA was used per each timber species to analyze the data. It was found that the highest tensile strength was recorded in SWR glue type.