Physico-Mechanical Properties of Particleboards Produced from Locally Sourced Materials

Abstract

In this study, particleboard was produced from the blend of sawdust and rice husk with the inclusion of metallic chips and adhesives. Urea formaldehyde and gelatinous starch were used as adhesives. Particleboards (10 mm thickness) were made from varying weight percentage ratio of saw dust and rice husk using pressure in the neighbourhood of 3 N/mm2. The particleboard was tested to determine the density, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and internal bonding strength (IBS). The density of the particleboards developed varies from 762.86 to 801.60 kg/m3. The moisture content of the samples varied between 9.22% and 9.98%. The MOR, MOE and IB values varied between 5.08 MPa and 26.08 MPa; 75.38 MPa and 412.4 MPa; and 0.013 MPa to 0.07 MPa, respectively. Composite samples C, E and H values for MOR, MOE and IBS gave significant results which met with the EN, ANSI A 208.1 and USDA standards. Hence, the admixture of rice husk and sawdust together with UF adhesive will be suitable in producing particleboard that could be useful for indoor and outdoor purposes.