Abstract
This study explores the potential of Lantana camara (LC), a weed eradicated from forest and non-forest areas, for developing particle boards and value-added products. The study was conducted in four stages; the initial stage involved an examination of the anatomical characteristics of Lantana sticks to assess their industrial suitability. In the second stage, the study focused on investigating the physical and mechanical properties of Lantana sticks. In the third stage, particle boards with a thickness of 19 mm were manufactured, employing urea-formaldehyde as a binder. A comprehensive evaluation was carried out to assess various characteristics of the board, including modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, thickness swelling, water absorption, density, internal bond strength, and screw withdrawal. Additionally, a comparative study was undertaken to assess the variability and performance of particle boards made from wood (Melia dubia). In the final stage, the study investigated the development of briquettes from LC. A thorough analysis of fuel properties was conducted, including calorific value, proximate and elemental analysis, ash elemental analysis, density, and energy density of LC biomass. LC exhibits a composition characterized by 25% lignin and 65% cellulose. Additionally, the cellular characteristics of LC, including the number of cells per ray and the cell frequency, were observed to be 12.5 and 4.6/mm, respectively, resembling those of Melia dubia. Moreover, both LC (shrub) and Melia dubia (hardwood) demonstrated comparable basic densities, falling within the range of approximately 410–550 kg/m³ for LC and 481–501 kg/m³ for Melia dubia.