Durability characteristics of cement-bonded particleboards manufactured from maize stalk residue

Abstract

Cement-bonded particleboards of 6 mm in thickness were manufactured using maize stalk (Zea mays) particles of uniform sizes at three levels of board density and additive concentrations respectively. The bending strength and dimensional properties were assessed. Increase in board density and additive concentration caused increase in Modulus of rupture (MOR), Modulus of elasticity (MOE), and decrease in Thickness swelling (TS) and Water absorption (WA). The MOR, MOE and TS of the boards were significantly affected by board density except for WA, but additive concentration affected all the boards’ properties examined at p ≥ 0.05. Strong and dimensional stable cement-bonded boards could be manufactured from maize stalk particles with Portland cement as the binder after hot water treatment. Although the dimensional stability and mechanical strength properties of the boards were affected by the board density and additive concentration, the study revealed that cement-bonded particleboards could be manufactured from maize stalk (Zea mays) particles. However, the increase in board density and additive concentration could cause the increase in MOR and MOE, and cause the decrease in TS and WA of boards.