CHEMICAL AND EXTRACTIVES COMPATIBILITY OF EMPTY BUNCH FRUIT OF Elaeis guineensis, LEAVES OF Ananas cumosos AND TETRAPAK WITH WOOD USED IN PARTICLEBOARDS IN TROPICAL AREAS

Abstract

Tropical countries produce a great variety of lignocellulosic residues from small-area planted crops. Large amount of “Tetra Pak” package are also produced without any disposal treatment. In order to give solutions for waste management, residues must be incorporated in other processes, such as the manufacture of particleboards. The main objective of this work was to evaluate chemical compositions, extractives in different solvent, chemical characterization of extracts in polar and un-polar solvent utilizing infrared spectrum analysis. A second aim of this study was to test the compatibility between chemical composition and extractives of empty bunch fruit of Elaeis guineensis (BPF), the leaves of Ananas cumosos (PL) and “Tetra Pak” packages with three timber species (Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis and Cupressus lusitanica).. Results showed that cellulose, ashes and lignin content of BPF, PL and “Tetra Pak” differ from those of the woody species. Similar result was obtained for pH and for the amount of substances extracted with different solvents. Infrared spectrum of water (polar), and ethanol-toluene (un-polar) solutions showed that the greatest differences in extracts were found in BPF and PL, this in relation to the studied woody species. Finally, HCMA showed that residues from BPF and “Tetra Pak” packages are slightly different, considering chemical compositions and extract content, to other woody species used for particleboard manufacture. Moreover, PL has the least compatibility with the woody species.