Bamboo mat board for general purposes -Specification
1994 Edition

IS 13958 specifies that bamboo mat boards typically have standard dimensions such as 2400 x 1200 mm, 2100 x 1200 mm, 1800 x 1200 mm, 2100 x 900 mm, and 1800 x 900 mm, with other sizes allowed by mutual consent between the manufacturer and buyer. Thickness tolerances are percentage-based, ±10% for boards under 6 mm and ±5% for thicker boards. Length and width tolerances are +6 mm/-0 mm and +3 mm/-0 mm respectively, while squareness and edge straightness must be within 0.2% of the board length. These criteria ensure dimensional accuracy for structural and decorative uses.

The standard recommends using phenolic adhesives of Boiling Water Resistant (BWR) type conforming to IS 818:1974 for bonding bamboo mats. Adhesives may be applied either by immersing the bamboo mats in the resin or by mechanical spreading techniques. Following application, mats should undergo conditioning through open assembly time and/or pass through a band dryer operating at 80–90°C to achieve a moisture content between 8% and 12%, which ensures effective bonding and durability.

Mechanical strength evaluation involves preparing test specimens as per IS 2380 (Part 4) and conducting static bending tests to determine Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and Modulus of Elasticity (MOE). Typical minimum values include an average MOE of 3000 N/mm² and MOR of 30 N/mm². Other mechanical tests such as tensile and shear strength may also be performed. Test specimens are cut to specified dimensions, and the boards must exhibit uniform thickness and be free from defects. These procedures ensure the boards meet structural performance requirements.

For boards produced by resin soaking, boron compounds such as octaborate or tetraborate are incorporated into the resin prior to soaking. Hot pressing renders these preservatives non-leachable, providing long-lasting fungal protection. For boards manufactured using mechanical glue spreading, post-production treatment with non-leachable preservatives like Copper-Chrome-Arsenic (CCA), Copper-Chrome-Boron (CCB), or Acid-Copper-Chrome (ACC) is required, following procedures outlined in IS 5539:1969. These treatments enhance the durability and fungal resistance of bamboo mat boards.

Markings must be applied legibly and permanently on the face of the board near one corner and include the manufacturer's identification, the year of production, and the criteria under which the board qualifies for the Eco-Mark. The boards may also bear the BIS Standard Mark under license. Additionally, bamboo used must be sourced from non-natural forests with documented certification submitted to BIS. These markings ensure traceability, quality assurance, and environmental compliance.