Mechanical and physical properties of particleboard made from scirpus grossus and coconut fiber

Abstract

In this research of study mechanical and physical properties of particleboard made with scirpus grossus and coconut fiber. The particles were manually mixed at a weight ratio of C1 (100:0), C2 (90:10), C3 (75:25), C4 (25:75), C5 (10:90) and C6 (0:100) and glued adhesive with methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) 7% (by weight). Physical and mechanical properties were evaluated following Thai industrail standard (876-2547). To measure the mechanical properties, 6 samples were tested to determine the modulus ofrupture – MOR and modulus of elasticity – MOE by using samples with a nominal size of 250×50 mm and physical properties, 3 samples were tested to determine the were determined: density, water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS). The physical properties result of all ratio is according to the standard, which the highest density, thickness swelling and water absorption are C3 (849.01 kg/m3), C6 (6.55 %) and C6 (9.92 %) respectively. The mechanical properties result of Modulus of rupture (MOR) for proportion to C4, C5 and C6 have a higher than standard, while C1, C2 and C3 are lower. All ratio for modulus of elastic (MOE) are lower than standard. The ratio of C6 is the highest modulus of rupture (21.60 MPa) and the highest of modulus of elastic is C1 (360.20 MPa). The experimental investigation indicated that the excellent particleboard properties are obtained with a mixture ratio of C5 (10:90).