Characteristics of Liquefied Adhesive Made of Oil-Palm Trunk (OPT) and their Application for Particleboard’s Binding

Abstract

Liquefied adhesive made of oil-palm trunk (OPT) was produced according to bio-refinery concept. In this context, OPT was converted into 20-60 mesh powder and it was converted into liquid via liquefaction process involving reaction of thermo-chemical and resulting in pre-polymer like phenol-formaldehyde (PF). The characteristics were determined based on Indonesian Standard (SNI) 06-4567-1998 for PF resin. The pre-polymer then was used for binding of three composition types of particleboards, namely 100% OPT particle, 50:50 mixture of OPT and jabon wood particles, and 100% jabon wood particle. Evaluation of the board was carried out based on Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) A 5908-2003 for particleboard. Results of this study exhibited properties of the pre-polymer generally met the SNI except its viscosity was too high. For overcoming this, the pre-polymer was then diluted in solvent until it was appropriate to be placed in spray gun and passed the nozzle for further use as binder. Physical properties of the board showed moisture content (MC) and density fulfilled JIS standard however thickness swelling was up to limit. Mechanical properties of the board showed only modulus of elasticity (MoE) met the criteria of JIS while modulus of rupture (MoR) and internal bonding were below the target. Statistically, two parameters, namely MC and MoE were different among the boards. For sum up, making adhesive from oil-palm stem using bio-refinery method was feasible and it can be applied for particleboard binding.