The Effect of Density and Resin Content on Oil Palm Trunk Particleboard

Abstract

The physical (density and moisture content) and chemical properties of the oil palm trunk (OPT) were examined. The effect of different densities (500, 600, and 700 kgm-3) and different percentages of urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin content (8, 10, and 12%) on the single layer at the different portions of OPT particleboard were evaluated for mechanical and dimensional stability. The results showed that the bottom portion and near bark had a positive result on density and moisture content. Lignin, holocellulose, and alpha-cellulose of the OPT showed the highest content at the bottom portion. The density was found to effect all the board properties significantly at p < 0.05 on the modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond (IB), thickness swelling (TS), and water absorption (WA) of the particleboards. For the resin content, all the board properties were effected except for the water absorption. The particleboards produced, from 700 kgm-3 densities and 10% resin content, met the minimum requirement for the particleboard (Type 18) stipulated in the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS A 5908). The particleboard manufacturing from OPT particles as the replacement for wood is very promising.