Materials mix ratio and binder type effects on physical and mechanical properties of particleboard from mixed-wood sawdust and Cocos nucifera (Coconut) husks

• Published in: Journal of the Indian Academy of Wood Science Vol. 18; no. 2; pp. 128 - 140
• Main Authors: Dadzie, Peter Kessels, Awotwe-Mensah, Michael, Amoah, Martin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Delhi Springer India 01.12.2021; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Bend strength; Binders; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Boards; Bonding strength; Cassava; Cocos nucifera; Continuous fiber composites; Deforestation; Density; Dimensional stability; Environmental effects; Environmental impact; Fibers; Forestry; Forestry Management; Life Sciences; Mechanical properties; Original Article; Particle board; Physical properties; Sawdust; Urea; Waste disposal; Water absorption; Wood; Wood Science & Technology; Wood sawdust; Cassava starch; Urea-formaldehyde; Particleboard
• ISSN: 0972-172X; 0976-8432
• DOI: 10.1007/s13196-021-00288-y

Finding supplements to wood and curbing environmental effects of waste disposal have become global topical issues. We investigated density, dimensional stability and bending properties of particleboards from mixed-wood sawdust and Cocos nucifera (coconut) husk fibres in respective mix ratios of 100%: 0; 70%: 30%; 50%: 50%; and 0%:100% using cassava starch and urea-formaldehyde (UF) binders. 1993 BS EN protocols 310 (for density and bending properties) and 317 (for water absorption and thickness swelling) were employed. Particle sizes were 1– ≤ 3 mm based on sieving with 3 mm mesh. Density was low to medium range (≈ 397–≈ 666 kg/m 3 ) though UF bonded boards were relatively and continuously higher with increased coconut fibres proportions compared to CS bonded ones. Also, UF bonded boards absorbed less water and exhibited dimensional stability relative to CS bonded boards. Bending strength of UF bonded boards was higher (MOEs ranging from ≈ 40%. to 1097%., and MORs being ≈125–652% higher) compared to the CS bonded counterparts. Materials mix ratio, binder type and their interactions had significant effect ( p  < 0.01) on density, MOE, and MOR. In conclusion, producing particleboard from coconut fibre and mixed-wood sawdust is possible with CS and UF as binders, but 0%W:100%C mixed ratio exhibited better MOE and MOR. Hence, efforts should be made to convert Cocos nucifera husks and sawdust into particleboard production to make available more alternative/supplementary materials/products to wood to reduce deforestation rate and curtail the environmental problems associated with the residues’ disposal.