Optimization of press temperature and time for binderless particleboard manufactured from oil palm trunk biomass at different thickness levels

Abstract

The objective of this study was to optimize the press temperature and time of binderless particleboard manufactured from oil palm trunk biomass with different thicknesses using rotatable central composite design of response surface methodology. A set of experiments was designed with two numerical factors including press temperature and time ranging from 160 to 200°C and from 20 to 30min, respectively at three target thicknesses, namely 5, 10 and 15mm. Based on the findings in this work internal bond strength, thickness swelling and water absorption of the panels improved with reduction of the panel thickness. However panels made with 15mm thickness had higher modulus of rupture values. The optimum press temperatures were found 191°C, 196°C and 195°C, for corresponding press times of 23min, 24min and 30min for 5, 10 and 15mm board thickness levels, respectively.