Cement-Bonded Particleboards with Banana Pseudostem Waste: Physical Performance and Bio-Susceptibility

Lina Nunes,Vitor Silva,Eleonora Cintura,João L Parracha,Bruno Fernandes,Paulina Faria

doi:10.3390/infrastructures6060086

Abstract

This article evaluates the relevant properties of cement-bonded particleboards (CBPB) made with a portion of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) particles replaced with an agricultural waste, banana pseudostem (Musa sp.). The industrial production of CBPB was simulated in the laboratory based on a reference composition defined by a manufacturing company. Test specimens were produced assuming 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% partial replacement of wood particles with banana pseudostem fibres. Some physical properties (bulk density, thermal conductivity, and dimensional stability) and the mould susceptibility of the different variables were assessed. Results show that the thermal conductivity of the boards increased with the banana fibre proportion and ranged between 0.233 W/(m.K) and 0.279 W/(m.K). The bulk density values generally increased with the banana fibre proportion and ranged between 1754–1995 kg/m3, being the highest value obtained for B50 (equal weight proportion of wood particles and banana fibres). Specimens with a higher percentage of banana fibres have reduced thickness resulting from swelling, ranging between 0.38% and 0.11% (for 0% and 75% of banana fibres, respectively). CBPBs with unsanded surfaces seem to be unsusceptible to mould development, whereas those with sanded surfaces, simulating wearing, show some bio-susceptibility. Mould development increases with the proportion of banana fibre. The results highlight the need for regular maintenance of the particleboards, thus avoiding surface wear over time and resulting in the exposure of the wood particles and/or banana fibres to the outside environment.

Highlights

All tests were performed after 10 h of drying at 70 ◦ C and 45% relative humidity (RH) for mass stabilization (Section 2.1.4), and after the board samples were cut for several specimens, based on the specimen dimensions required for each test, defined by cement-bonded particleboards (CBPB) test standards
The highest value of thermal conductivity was obtained for composition B75 (0.279 W/(m.K)), which was very close to composition B50 (0.269 W(m.K)), while the lowest was for specimen B0 (0.233 W/(m.K)), within the variation of B25
The thermal conductivity of the CBPB increased with the replacement of wood by banana fibres and ranged between 0.233 W/(m.K) and 0.279 W/(m.K)

Summary

Introduction

Cement-bonded particleboards (CBPB) are construction materials that are being largely used both in new construction and for the rehabilitation/retrofitting of existing buildings.This article is focused on the durability and degradability of coating materials applied in buildings, namely, to assess the relevant properties of innovative CBPB when raw wood particles were partially replaced with banana tree wastes.Recently, renewed attention has been given to the use of cement-bonded particleboards (CBPB), with added lignocellulosic wastes [1,2,3,4,5] or alternative wood species [6,7] for numerous applications, such as interior walls, external cladding surfaces, ceiling panels or decorative applications [8,9]. This article is focused on the durability and degradability of coating materials applied in buildings, namely, to assess the relevant properties of innovative CBPB when raw wood particles were partially replaced with banana tree wastes. One important element to be considered is the polysaccharides (sugar content) that can inhibit cement setting time, contributing to lower bonding of wood with cement [4,15]. This problem can be overcome by using chemical accelerators such as calcium chloride, which will decrease the hydration time of the boards, increasing compatibility between the wood and cement [16]

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Conclusion