Novel Particleboard Composites Made from Coir Fiber and Waste Banana Stem Fiber

Abstract

In this study, coir fiber board was reinforced with banana stem fiber to improve the mechanical properties of the board. Different ratios of banana stem fiber and coir fiber were mixed to make composite boards. These ratios had different effects on the physical (TS) and mechanical (MOR, MOE, and IB) properties of the particleboard composites. Banana fiber improved the MOE and MOR of the hybrid coir fiber boards. However, the internal bond strength (IB) of the artificial board decreased and the thickness swelling from water absorption increased. When the ratio of coir fiber to banana stem fiber was 8:2, all performance aspects of the artificial board reached the requirements of the structure in dry conditions based on standard GB/T4897.4 (2003). SEM and FTIR, and SSA were used to analyze the fiber micro-structures, and bonding mechanisms of the particleboard were examined. These results confirmed that a novel hybrid particleboard composite could be produced. The traditional craft of coir fiber board was changed, which was made from coir fiber and epoxy resin through hot-pressed. The excellent performance of the coir fiber/banana stem fiber particleboard composites suggests that they are suitable for non-load-bearing partitions and outdoor building materials.