




































    

 Academic Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology 

Vol. 10, Issue 3; July-August 2025; 

ISSN: 2837-2964 

Impact Factor: 7.67 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

 

 
 
46 | A c a d e m i c J o u r n a l o f S c i e n c e , E n g i n e e r i n g a n d T e c h n o l o g y  
| https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET  

NIGERIAN COMMERCIAL SECTOR MARINE BOARD WOOD 

COMPOSITE HARDNESS ASSESSMENT 

 
1*Chukwudi Paulinus Ilo, 2Chidi Kingsley Nweke and 3 Ephraim Ugochukwu Nebo 
1 Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, 

P.M.B. 01660, Enugu, Nigeria. 
2 Works Department, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria. 
3Department of Agric and Bio-Environmental Engineering Technology, Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, 

Ebonyi State, Nigeria. 

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: chukwudi.ilo@esut.edu.ng 

*Corresponding Author’s Phone Number: +234 814 643 8802 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17176091 

 

Abstract: Technical insights on hardness test analysis on marine board plywoods in Nigerian market needed by 

stakeholders to prevent loss of revenue that may arise due to choice of indecorous marine board plywoods for abundant 

needs as a result of non-availability of such data was investigated. Most frequently sought after marine board plywoods 

were identified, out of which the top three were subjected to test after selection to establish their hardness. Each of the 

samples as required by the Leeds Hardness Tester was prepared and tested four times on the machine for a mean. Plots on 

the hardness of the samples were ensued by computer program from the generated data. Results show that Marine Plex 

attained aggregate average hardness of 364.5 Leeds Hardness Test (HLD), Super-Plex attained aggregate average 

hardness of 370.75 HLD while Nplex attained aggregate average hardness of 392.25 HLD. Statistically, that Nplex is 

5.799% and 7.613% harder than Super-Plex and Marine Plex respectively. The difference in hardness between Super-Plex 

and Marine Plex is small compared to the difference in hardness between Nplex and Marine Plex which is as much as 

27.75 HLD. Choice of suitable marine board plywoods based on their hardness would be informed by this novel 

revelation. In the development of their products, biomedical engineers as well as other stake holders should utilize these 

results. Future research attention should be geared towards hardness tests of medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and high-

density fibreboard (HDF) in Nigerian economy. 

Keyword: Indentation Hardness testing, Indentation Testing, Leed Hardness Test, Material Hardness Testing, Material 

Testing, Mechanical Testing, Rockwell Hardness Test, Scleroscope Testing, Surface Hardness Testing, Vickers Hardness. 

 

I. Introduction 

Background of the Study 

As noted by (FMRL, 2025) the global plywood market valued at USD 50.2 billion in 2024 is expected to grow 

from year 2025 with projection to reach USD 74.5 billion by the year 2033 at a compound annual growth rate 

(CAGR) estimate of 4.5%. In Nigeria, wood composite (plywood) is extensively used across construction, 

mailto:topacademicjournals@gmail.com


    

 Academic Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology 

Vol. 10, Issue 3; July-August 2025; 

ISSN: 2837-2964 

Impact Factor: 7.67 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

 

 
 
47 | A c a d e m i c J o u r n a l o f S c i e n c e , E n g i n e e r i n g a n d T e c h n o l o g y  
| https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET  

furniture, and packaging industries in Nigeria, as it remains a vital engineered wood product. Despite abundant 

raw materials and a fast-growing domestic market, unfortunately Nigeria presently remains heavily dependent 

on plywood imports. The Nigerian plywood market valued at USD 8.81 billion in 2023 and being on a growth 

direction is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.3%, reaching USD 11.05 billion by 2030 as noted by (FMRL, 

2025). Asserted by Ogunwusi, (2012), forestry products industrial goods exports in the 1950’s, 1960’s and 

1970’s were once enjoyed by Nigeria, even as plywood remains a vital engineered wood product extensively 

used across furniture, construction and packaging industries in Nigeria. Wood composites, a derivative of wood 

product are normally obtained through the processes of binding the particles, strands, boards, or fibers of wood 

together. From vegetable fibers using lignin-containing materials with chemical additives enabling the 

integration of polymer and wood flour while helping facilitate optimal processing conditions, similar composite 

products can also be made. Due to an excellent combination of mechanical, thermal and acoustic properties 

together with a competitive price usually made of materials like rye and wheat straw, sugar cane residue, hemp 

stalks e.t.c, as observed by (Garcia-Garcia, et al, 2018), particle and fiberboards are widely used in the building 

industry as eco-friendly solutions to wood with increasing uses in thermal insulators, ceiling boards, wall 

partitions, e.t.c. Wood composites are engineered to certain specifications resulting in a material that can have 

diverse applications and this is achieved by the use adhesives. One interesting thing is that wood composites can 

be created by the use of smaller trees, wood waste materials and hence reduce the need to fell old-growth 

forests. Studying the production of highly environmentally-friendly fiberboards by hot-press molding using 

Posidonia oceanica wastes and a partially biobased epoxy resin as binder, (Garcia-Garcia, et al, 2018) reveals 

that there is a remarkable improvement of the mechanical properties with combination of the alkali treatment 

followed by silanization. 

Higher fire hazards could be experienced when wood composite is compared to solid wood products in terms of 

challenges associated with it as a result of higher chemical heat content and melting properties. Most cheap and 

common resins usually used in the composites and made with urea-formaldehyde bonded products release toxic 

formaldehyde in the finished products forming a strong apprehension with wood composite use. Though the 

process of their manufacture as it relates to solid timber demands for extra primary energy, wood composites 

have numerous advantages. Additionally is the humidity-induced warping which is not common in solid woods 

by some fiber-based and particle based composite woods when they are exposed to moisture. It is interesting to 

note that the demand for wood composite is on the rise as projected by the earlier statistics due to remarkable 

improvement on esthetic and mechanical properties of the resulting composites, despite all these challenges 

stated. (Ilo, Ajibo, and Dim, 2025a) opined that failure of form boards frameworks from wood composites 

(plywood) especially while the concrete is still not yet set shortly after casting of concretes has been a major 

source of concern to the construction industry. 

The purchasing power of the Nigerian currency Naira in the study of inflation trend pattern and its impact on 

Nigeria’s economy according to (Barguma, et al 2022), was seen to be decreasing, a revelation that the 

mailto:topacademicjournals@gmail.com


    

 Academic Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology 

Vol. 10, Issue 3; July-August 2025; 

ISSN: 2837-2964 

Impact Factor: 7.67 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

 

 
 
48 | A c a d e m i c J o u r n a l o f S c i e n c e , E n g i n e e r i n g a n d T e c h n o l o g y  
| https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET  

economy especially building materials market is badly hit by the inflation. Following their quest to assess the 

effect of building materials cost on housing development in Owerri, Imo state, eastern region of Nigeria by 

(Igboekulie, Monye, and Joseph, 2022), a very strong relationship has been found to exist between building 

materials prices and rate of residential development. Obaedo, (2024) X-rayed inflation as the most influential 

factor responsible for increase in the cost of building materials while analyzing the inflation rate and the prices 

of building materials in Benin city, from a correlation analysis, the prices of the building materials had a direct 

relationship with the inflation rate in Nigeria thus the cause for the high cost of building materials. 

Material Hardness Testing  

Any procedure employed to determine a material’s resistance to scratching, indentation or even deformation is 

materials hardness testing. By penetration of another harder material, it is simply a test conducted to ascertain 

the actual resistance exhibited by materials to permanent deformation. Objectively, material hardness testing is 

a mechanical test for material properties which are used in materials development, structural analysis and 

engineering design and development. Usually, it is achieved by pressing a harder material into the surface of the 

tested material. The size of the resulting indentation which is basically the depth is measured and subsequently 

converted into a hardness value which indicates how well the material can resist deformation that is permanent. 

Obviously, a number hardness tests exists. In Brinell Hardness Test, a hardened steel or carbide ball indenter is 

used to create an indentation on the surface of the material being tested while the Brinell Hardness Number 

(BHN) is calculated from the measured diameter of the indentation. For very soft materials like plastics to 

provide quick and easy measurement, Barcol Hardness Test is mainly used. Vickers Hardness Test is employed 

over a wide range of materials from very soft to very hard ones by the use of a square-based diamond pyramid 

indenter. Just like Vickers Hardness Test, Knoop Hardness Test uses a rhombic-based diamond pyramid 

indenter, and is often used for thin films and brittle materials. Shore Durometer measures the hardness of rubber 

and plastics with the use of a spring -loaded indenter while the Scleroscope measures hardness by the rebound 

height of a diamond-tipped hammer that is dropped onto a material. Leed Hardness Test adopted in this research 

is a dynamic impact test that measures the rebound of a small impactor (indenter) to determine the hardness 

(HLD). 

II. Literature Review  

Ojo and Idieunmah, (2021) in their research ecpressed that there is linear relationship between age and strength 

properties of timber, increasing both the compression and shear strengths and even to a reasonable extent the 

bending strength. The effect of particle size on the flexural strength, ultimate tensile strength, density and water 

absorption characteristics of uncarbonized coconut shell/unsaturated polyester composites of particle size 425 

microns sample and 170 microns sample were investigated by (Iloabachie, et al, 2017) and the result indicated 

that maximum flexural and ultimate tensile strength were attained at 20wt% for the 425 microns sample. High 

mechanical properties were found by (Elbadawi, et al, 2015) when the effect of adding a blend of tannins to 

commercial urea formaldehyde (UF) on the particleboard made from wood particles of Acacia seyal var. seyal 

mailto:topacademicjournals@gmail.com


    

 Academic Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology 

Vol. 10, Issue 3; July-August 2025; 

ISSN: 2837-2964 

Impact Factor: 7.67 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

 

 
 
49 | A c a d e m i c J o u r n a l o f S c i e n c e , E n g i n e e r i n g a n d T e c h n o l o g y  
| https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET  

using the British Standard European Norm (BSEN) relevant standards as compared to the ones produced by 

solely urea formaldehyde (UF). The mechanical properties tests results were found to show that flexural 

strength and elongation at break increased as coconut shell proportion got increased when (Iloabachie, et al, 

2018) studied the effects of carbonized coconut shell (CS) volume fraction on mechanical properties of 

unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) composite. Tensile strength of Teak Wood Saw Dust – Cashew nut shell 

liquid resin composites was studied by preparing a composite material using a hand layup technique by varying 

the quantity of the Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) resin and keeping the saw dust quantity constant by simple 

methodology of just increasing the percentage of (CNSL). According to the ASTM D638, tensile strength test 

on the composites using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) by (Ganesan and Valarmathi, 2014) revealed that 

tensile strength of the sample with the highest percentage of (CSNL) was the highest and that the tensile 

increased with increase in (CNSL). Conclusively, the tensile strength of the composite is improved with the 

increase in the cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) percentage. As a result of research recently conducted on 

experimental analysis of flexural strength of wood composite (plywood) in Nigerian commercial sector (Ilo, 

Ajibo, and Dim, 2025b) revelled that Viewpoint plywood recorded 4.956 N/mm2, Plywood EQ recorded 9.467 

N/mm2 while Caledonian, also a make of plywood in Nigerian market recorded 16.973 N/mm2 as the maximum 

stress, modulus of rupture (MOR) each of them can withstand while being bent before failing or rupturing. It 

was observed that coconut fibre reinforced HDPE has 28.6 mega pascal as optimum value for flexural strength 

while (Ihueze, Achike, and Okafor, 2016) studied performance characteristics and reinforcement combinations 

of coconut fibre reinforced high density polyethylene (HDPE) polymer matrixes at optimum condition of 

volume fractions and particle sizes of coconut fibre-filler.  

In a study conducted to test for the potentials of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) such as plastic films from 

packaging as resins for saw dust from coconut lumber for the production of wood-plastic composite (WPC) 

particleboard when the boards were prepared from 50%-80% by weight of LPDE to sawdust content, both 

physical and mechanical properties of WPC evaluated, (Valle, 2020) found that the tensile strength, face screw 

holding and modulus of rupture meet the minimum specifications of the US standards. Good interfacial 

adhesion between sawdust particle and LDPE reduced thickness swelling and improving moisture resistance by 

diminishing hygroscopy hence expanding the utilization of composites from agricultural wastes and plastic 

wastes for industrial applications, especially in moist environments, even as well as marine use and humid 

environment was also revealed by the study. Carbonized coconut shell particle reinforced composite recorded 

the least density value making it desirable in light weight material application through the study by (Iloabachie, 

et al 2014) on the effects of carbonization on the physical and mechanical properties of coconut shell particle 

reinforced polyester composite. For both physical and mechanical properties, the panels with 50% CC had the 

most preferred performances in a study by (Akinyemi. Afolayan, and Oluwatobi, 2016) on the properties of 

developed composite corn cob (CC) and sawdust (SD) particle boards using 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% and 0% 

variations for both agricultural wastes using formaldehyde as binder at constant volume. Empty fruit bunch 

mailto:topacademicjournals@gmail.com


    

 Academic Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology 

Vol. 10, Issue 3; July-August 2025; 

ISSN: 2837-2964 

Impact Factor: 7.67 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

 

 
 
50 | A c a d e m i c J o u r n a l o f S c i e n c e , E n g i n e e r i n g a n d T e c h n o l o g y  
| https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET  

fibre reinforced polyester matrix composite has the maximum hardness strength of 19.062 N/mm2 which 

depended greatly on the reinforcement combinations of control factors in a study by (Okafor, Ihueze, and 

Nwigbo, 2013) on the optimization of hardness strengths response of plantain fibres reinforced polyester matrix 

composites (PFRP) by application of Taguchi robust design. Changes were observed on surface quality after 50 

reuses with oriented strand board (OSB) panels formworks while modification of surface quality was noticed 

after 80 reuses with marine plywood formworks on the study by (Courard, et al, 2012) on evolution of surface 

properties of concrete through measured lightness and absorption as analysed in the study of panel frameworks. 

A higher strength value of medium density fibreboards (MDF) composites samples than plywood composites 

samples was revealed because of the increasing thickness of the activated carbon filler (by Aziz, et al, 2015) in 

their study on the influence of activated carbon filler on the mechanical properties of wood composites. Wear 

behaviours of 9500C carbonized ash were revealed better than those of 8500C and 9000C carbonized ash due to 

the degree of alteration in the structure of silica by (Ozioko, 2011) upon the analysis of the effect of 

carbonization temperature on wear rate behaviour of rice husk ash reinforced epoxy composites. SGK Nordic 

had the best ultimate flexural strength of 13.568 N/mm2, Richard Russel had ultimate flexural strength 12.986 

N/mm2 while MDF Hokusan (MDF) recorded 1.24 N/mm2 as noted by (Ilo, Nwanjoku, and Olayeye, 2025) in a 

study of flexural strength of medium density fibreboard (MDF) wood composite in Nigerian market. Joubert 

(HDF) recorded 15.604 N/mm2, Dabar (HDF) recorded 32.604 N/mm2 while Sinoply (HDF) recorded 39.248 

N/mm2 of their flexural strength at peak when (Ilo, Nneji, and Igede, 2025) studied the flexural strength of high 

density fibreboard (HDF) wood composite in Nigerian market. Sinoply, Dabar and Joubert recorded their peak 

flexural strength at 0.7979%, 0.3769% and 0.2473% strain respectively. Ilo, Uro, and Edeh, (2025) Studied the 

comparative hardness analysis on Nigerian market wood composite (plywood) and found that Caledonian 

attained aggregate average hardness of 407.5 Leeds Hardness Test (HLD), View Point attained aggregate 

average hardness of 456.5 HLD while Plywood EQ attained aggregate average hardness of 459.25 HLD with 

the statistical analysis showing that Plywood EQ is 0.6024% and 12.6993% harder than View Point and 

Caledonian respectively. 

Ekundayo, Arum and Owoyemi, (2022) assessed the flexural strength of glued laminated beams made from 

local wood species bonded with phenol resorcinol formaldehyde, polyurethane and urea-formaldehyde 

adhesives and found the values in glulam beams significantly higher than the control (custom wood) especially 

in edgewise direction. 

Clearly, it is certain from the summary of reviewed literature with regards to their hardness that research has not 

been directed towards providing technical information on hardness of marine board wood composite in Nigerian 

economy, hence the need for the research in this area. 

III. Research Methodology 

Material 

mailto:topacademicjournals@gmail.com


    

 Academic Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology 

Vol. 10, Issue 3; July-August 2025; 

ISSN: 2837-2964 

Impact Factor: 7.67 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

 

 
 
51 | A c a d e m i c J o u r n a l o f S c i e n c e , E n g i n e e r i n g a n d T e c h n o l o g y  
| https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET  

Research was made in Nigerian market on commonly used and major marine board plywoods in the Nigerian 

market. From the survey made, most common and three major marine board plywoods in top demands in 

Nigerian market were identified. They were selected as samples for analysis. The marine board plywoods 

samples were Super-Plex, Marine Plex and Nplex. They are represented accordingly in table 1.  

In table 1, the samples are coded “αe”, “Ωf” and “ꞵg” representing SUPER-PLEX, MARINE PLEX and 

NPLEX respectively. They are all prepared according to the requirement by the machine and tested on the 

machine one after the other. 

TABLE 1 Marine Board Plywoods Samples Tested 

Sample αe        Ωf ꞵg 

Make SUPER-

PLEX 

MARINE PLEX NPLEX 

Equipment 

A portable non-destructive machine for measuring hardness, the Leeds hardness tester as seen in figure 1 which 

is a type of dynamic hardness test machine was used. It is based on the rebound velocity of usually a small 

impact body which is the indenter after it strikes the surface of the material. The indenter component of the 

tester is placed on each sample and device gadget clicked; the indenter pushes to make an indent on the sample. 

Carefully set according to the requirement by the leeds hardness tester in figure 1, the samples (αe) representing 

SUPER-PLEX, (Ωf) representing MARINE PLEX and (ꞵg) representing NPLEX were all tested on the machine 

successively. The Leeds hardness tester indenter pushes forward to make an impact on the sample by indenting 

on it as it is operated by placing the indenter of the Leeds hardness tester on the sample and clicking the control 

button. The operation is repeated four times for each sample (make). With computer program, the dynamics of 

the action of the indenting and the associated resistance, Leed hardness (HLD) plots are generated. 

Undoubtedly, the plot which is a function of the sample’s composition resulting from their nature shows clearly 

the relationship between force per unit area and the extent of the impact (indent) in the sample. Analysis of the 

plots generated are made under results and analysis. 

mailto:topacademicjournals@gmail.com


    

 Academic Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology 

Vol. 10, Issue 3; July-August 2025; 

ISSN: 2837-2964 

Impact Factor: 7.67 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

 

 
 
52 | A c a d e m i c J o u r n a l o f S c i e n c e , E n g i n e e r i n g a n d T e c h n o l o g y  
| https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET  

 
Fig. 1: Leeds Hardness Tester 

IV. Results and Analysis 

For each of the samples Super-Plex, Marine Plex and Nplex, the results of the tests are shown as plots in figures 

2, 3 and 4 respectively. Essentially, the hardness test results in HLD are for the tested samples of the three 

selected marine board plywoods. 

Plots  

The figure 2 below is a plot for hardness test result of Super-Plex sample. The first test recorded 365 HLD, the 

second recorded 387 HLD, the third recorded 379 HLD while the fourth recorded 352 HLD. The aggregate 

average of the four tests were taken and reported in the figure 5 for a comparative analysis. 

mailto:topacademicjournals@gmail.com


    

 Academic Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology 

Vol. 10, Issue 3; July-August 2025; 

ISSN: 2837-2964 

Impact Factor: 7.67 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

 

 
 
53 | A c a d e m i c J o u r n a l o f S c i e n c e , E n g i n e e r i n g a n d T e c h n o l o g y  
| https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET  

 
Fig 2: Graph of Hardness Test Results for Super-Plex in HLD 

The figure 3 below is a plot for hardness test result of Marine Plex sample. The first test recorded 342 HLD, the 

second recorded 329 HLD, the third recorded 377 HLD while the fourth recorded 410 HLD. The aggregate 

average of the four tests are taken and reported in the figure 5 for a comparative analysis. 

 
Fig. 3: Graph of Hardness Test Results for Marine Plex in HLD 

The figure 4 below is a plot for hardness test result of Nplex sample. The first test recorded 401 HLD, the 

second recorded 416 HLD, the third recorded 381 HLD while the fourth recorded 371 HLD. The aggregate 

average of the four tests is taken and reported in the figure 5 for a comparative analysis. 

SUPERPLEX

300

400

1
2

3

4

365 387
379

352

H
LD

TESTS

SUPERPLEX

MARINE PLEX

0

500

1
2

3
4

342
329 377 410H

LD

TESTS

MARINE PLEX

mailto:topacademicjournals@gmail.com


    

 Academic Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology 

Vol. 10, Issue 3; July-August 2025; 

ISSN: 2837-2964 

Impact Factor: 7.67 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

 

 
 
54 | A c a d e m i c J o u r n a l o f S c i e n c e , E n g i n e e r i n g a n d T e c h n o l o g y  
| https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET  

 
Fig. 4: Graph of Hardness Test Results for Nplex in HLD 

The figure 5 below is a plot for aggregate average of the four hardness tests result on Super-Plex, Marine Plex 

and Nplex samples. Super-Plex recorded 370.75 HLD, Marine Plex recorded 364.5 HLD while Nplex recorded 

392.25 HLD. 

 

Fig. 5: Graph of Aggregate Average of Hardness Test Results for Super-Plex, Marine Plex and Nplex in HLD 

V. Conclusion and Recommendation 

In an ascending order of their hardness test results, Marine Plex achieved aggregate average of hardness test 

result of 364.5 HLD, Super-Plex achieved aggregate average of hardness test result of 370.75 HLD while Nplex 

achieved aggregate average of hardness test result of 392.25 HLD. Comparatively in terms of hardness, Nplex 

is 5.799% and 7.613% harder than Super-Plex and Marine Plex respectively. Super-Plex is also 1.715% harder 

than Marine Plex. These are typically obtained from the result of the tests. This implies that Super-Plex is 

NPLEX

300

350

400

450

1
2

3

4

401 416

381

371

H
LD

TESTS

NPLEX

340

360

380

400

SUPERPLEX

MARINE PLEX

NPLEX

370.75

364.5

392.25

H
LD

MAKE

AGGREGATE AVERAGE 

mailto:topacademicjournals@gmail.com


    

 Academic Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology 

Vol. 10, Issue 3; July-August 2025; 

ISSN: 2837-2964 

Impact Factor: 7.67 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

 

 
 
55 | A c a d e m i c J o u r n a l o f S c i e n c e , E n g i n e e r i n g a n d T e c h n o l o g y  
| https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET  

harder than Marine Plex while Nplex is harder than Super-Plex. It is worthy to note that the difference in 

hardness between Super-Plex and Marine Plex is small compared to the difference in hardness between Nplex 

and Marine Plex which is as much as 27.75 HLD. Depending on application, choice of marine board plywood 

from Nigeria market can leverage on this novel technical data with respect to their hardness potentials. This 

Novel technical insight should be valued by architects, building contractors, engineers, individuals, construction 

companies as well as furniture makers. Biomedical equipment developers can as well utilise this knowledge. 

Hardness tests analysis of medium-density fibreboard and high-density fibreboard in Nigerian market should 

form future research works in wood composites. 

REFERENCES 

Akinyemi. B. A., Afolayan, J. O. & Oluwatobi, E. O. (2016). Some properties of composite corn cob and 

sawdust particle boards. Construction and Building Materials 127, 436-441. 

Aziz, N. A. A., Mohamed, M., Mohamad, M, Amini, M. H. M., Aziz, M. S. A., Yusoff, H. and Rizman, Z. I. 

(2015). Influence of activated carbon filler on the mechanical properties of wood composites. ARPN 

Journal of Engineering and Applied Services, 10(1): 376-386. www.arpnjournals.com 

Barguma, W. S., Atanda, B. T., Chidiebere, U. E, Kudirat, B. F., & Busola, T. R. (2022). A Study of Inflation 

Trend Pattern and Its Impact on Nigeria's Economy. International Journal of Research Publication and 

Reviews, 3(4): pp 5989-5997 

Courard, L., Goffinet, C., Migeotte, N., Martin, M., Pierard, J. and Polet, V. (2012). Influence of the reuse of 

OSB and marine plywood formworks on surface concrete aesthetics. Materials Structures (45): 1331-

1343. https://doi/10.1617/s11527-012-9835-0 

Ekundayo, O. O., Arum, C. & Owoyemi, J. M. (2022). Bending strength evaluation of Glulam Beams made 

from selected Nigerian wood species. International Journal of Engineering (IJE). (35)11: 2120-2129 

Elbadawi, M., Osman, Z., Paridah, T., Nasroun, T. & Kantiner, W. (2015). Properties of particleboards made 

from Acacia Seyal Var. Seyal using UF–Tannin modified adhesives. Cellulose Chemistry and 

Technology. 49 (3-4): 369-374. 

FMRL, (2025). Plywood manufacturing in Nigeria; The feasibility Report. 

https://businessplansinnigeria.ng/business-plans/plywood-manufacturing-in-nigeria-the-feasibility-

report/#:~:text=Since%201997%2C%20annual%20production%20has,%2C%20the%20UAE%2C%20a

nd%20Austria. 

mailto:topacademicjournals@gmail.com


    

 Academic Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology 

Vol. 10, Issue 3; July-August 2025; 

ISSN: 2837-2964 

Impact Factor: 7.67 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

 

 
 
56 | A c a d e m i c J o u r n a l o f S c i e n c e , E n g i n e e r i n g a n d T e c h n o l o g y  
| https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET  

Ganesan M. and Valarmathi T.N. (2014). Tensile Strength of Teak Wood Saw Dust – Cashew nut shell liquid 

resin composites. International Journal of Engineering Development and Research (www.ijedr.org) 

IJEDR. 2(1): 196-199. https://rjwave.org/IJEDR1401034.pdf 

Garcia-Garcia, D, Quiles-Carrilo, L., Montanes, N., Fombuena, V. and Balart R. (2018). Manufacturing and 

Characterization of Composite Fibreboards with Posidonia oceanica wastes with an Environmentally-

Friendly Binder from Epoxy Resin. Materials, 11(1): 35. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma11010035 

Igboekulie, I. E., Monye, C.  & Joseph, F. F. (2022). Assessment of the effect of building materials cost on 

housing development in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. International Journal of Advances in Engineering 

and Management (IJAEM), 4(9): 455-474, DOI: 10.35629/5252-0409455474 

Ihueze, C. C., Achike, M. K. & Okafor, C. E. (2016). Optimal performance characteristics and reinforcement 

combinations of coconut fiber reinforced high density polyethylene (HDPE) polymer matrixes. Journal 

of Scientific Research & Reports. 9(3): 1-10. Doi:10.9734/JSRR/2016/20385 

Ilo, C.P., Ajibo, J. I. & Dim, E. C. (2025a). Flexural Strength Appraisal of Marine Board Plywood in Nigerian 

Market. International Journal of Recent Research in Civil and Mechanical Engineering (IJRRCME). 

(12)1: (18-24), April-September, ISSN 2393-8471. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15753859 

Ilo, C.P., Ajibo, J. I. & Dim, E. C. (2025b). Analysis of flexural strength of wood composite (plywood) in 

Nigerian commercial sector. International Journal of Novel Research in Engineering and Science. 

(12)1: 30-35, March – August, ISSN 2394-7349. DOI:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15687650 

Ilo, C. P., Nneji, S. N. & Igede, G. A. (2025). Nigerian Market High Density Fibredoard (HDF) Flexural 

Strength Evaluation. Top Academic Journal of Engineering and Mathematics, (10) 4: 27-37, July – 

August, ISSN: 2837-2964. DOI:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16410270. 

Ilo, C. P., Nwanjoku, T. S. & Olayeye E. A. (2025). Nigerian Economy Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) 

Wood Composite Flexural Strength Assessment. International Journal of Novel Research in 

Interdisciplinary Studies, (12) 4: 1-7, July – August, ISSN 2394-9716. 

DOI:https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16088491 

Ilo, C. P., Uro, U. F. & Edeh, J. N. (2025). Comparative Hardness Analysis on Nigerian Market Wood 

Composite (Plywood), Top Multidisciplinary Research Journal, (10) 4: 1-12, July-August, ISSN: 2994-

0419. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16925622 

mailto:topacademicjournals@gmail.com


    

 Academic Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology 

Vol. 10, Issue 3; July-August 2025; 

ISSN: 2837-2964 

Impact Factor: 7.67 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET; mail: topacademicjournals@gmail.com 

 
 

 

 

 
 
57 | A c a d e m i c J o u r n a l o f S c i e n c e , E n g i n e e r i n g a n d T e c h n o l o g y  
| https://topjournals.org/index.php/AJSET  

Iloabachie, I. C. C., Obiorah, S. M. O. & Anene, F. A. (2018). Study of mechanical properties of carbonized 

coconut shell polyester composite. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences. (13): 54-62 

Iloabachie, I. C. C., Obiorah, S. M. O., Ezema, I. C., Henry, V. I. & Chime, O. H. (2014). Effects of 

carbonization on the physical and mechanical properties of coconut shell particle reinforced polyester 

composite. International Journal of Research in advanced Engineering and Technology, 3(1), 62-69, 

www.engineeringresearchjournal.com. 

Iloabachie, I. C. C., Obiorah, S. M. O., Ezema, I. C., Okpe, B. O., Chima, O. M.  & Chime, A. C. (2017). The 

effects of particle size on the flexural strength, tensile strength, and water absorption properties of 

uncarbonized coconut shell/polyester composite. International Journal of Advanced Engineering and 

Technology. (1)1: 22-27. 

Obaedo, B. O., (2024). The Inflation Rate and the Prices of Building Materials in Benin City, International 

Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research and Studies, 4(4):1112-1122, 

DOI:10.62225/2583049X.2024.4.4.3158 

Ogunwusi, A. A. (2012). The Forest Products Industry in Nigeria. An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 

Ethiopia. 6(4), Serial No. 27. Pp191-205. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/afrrev.v6i4.13 

Ojo, O. S. & Idieunmah, F. M. (2021). Influence of Age on the Strength of Different Species of Timber. 

LAUTECH Journal of Civil and Environmental Studies. (6)2: 39-46, DOI: 

10.36108/laujoces/1202.60.0240. 

Okafor, E.C., Ihueze, C. C. and Nwigbo, S. C. (2013). Optimization of Hardness Strengths Response of Plantain 

Fibers Reinforced Polyester Matrix Composites (PFRP) Applying Taguchi Robust Design. International 

Journal of Engineering. (26)1: 1-11. Doi:105829/idosi.ije.2013.26.01a.01 

Ozioko, F. U. (2011). Effect of carbonization temperature on wear rate behaviour of rice husk ash reinforced 

epoxy composites. Leonardo Electronic Journal of Practices and Technologies, (19); 172-182, 

https://lejpt.academicdirect.org 

Valle, S. (2020). Evaluation of the potential of recycled LPDE and waste sawdust in wood in wood-plastic 

composite boards. In the book: 2020 ISWA-SWIS Winter School Proceedings. Solid waste Institute for 

Sustainability (SWIS), The University of Texas at Arlington 

 

mailto:topacademicjournals@gmail.com

