Mechanical and Physical Properties of Kapok Tree Sawdust Particleboard Manufactured with Three Ecologic Binders

Abstract

AbstractThe aim of this work is to develop carpentry residues coming from the kapok tree with tannic powders of African locust bean pod (Parkia Biglobosa), peel of Indian tamarind (Pitecellobium Dulce) and pearl bone glue, for the manufacture of particle board to solve possible environmental problems due to sawdust and the use of conventional binders. First, particleboards were prepared with the sawdust of kapok tree by varying the rate of binder. Second, the physical and mechanical properties of the particleboard prepared were tested by three – points bending, tensile strength, internal bond (IB) strength, water absorption and thickness swelling. The bending test allowed to calculate the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and the modulus of rupture (MOR). The tensile test allowed to determine Young's modulus (E) the modulus of rupture (MOT), the internal bond (IB) strength. The threshold set by the ANSI A208.1 – 2012 for MOE, MOR and IB standards, has thus been largely attained. The values of density used allow to classify the particleboards of sawdust kapok tree in the categories of medium and high density. This shows that tannic powders can replace conventional binders in the manufacture of particleboard.KeywordsParticleboardSawdust of kapok treeTannic powder pod of African locust beanIndian tamarindPearl bone glueMechanical and physical properties