Physico-Mechanical Properties of Particle Board made from Coconut Shell, Coconut Husk and Palm Kernel Shell

Abstract

This research involves the production of particle boards made from coconut shell, palm kernel shell and coconut husk in different ratios varying from 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% and 50%. These materials were homogeneously mixed with Urea Formaldehyde resin which was the adhesive used commonly known as Top Bond. The physical and mechanical characteristics of produced particle boards which were density, water absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity were analysed. The densities ranged between 995kg/m3 and 600kg/m3. The particle board which had 50% coconut shell, 25% palm kernel shell and 25% coconut husk (E1) had the least value for water absorption after 2hours and 24 hours which was 17.26 and 26.19 respectively. The mean values for Modulus of Rupture and Modulus of Elasticity varied from 0.650N/mm2 to 3.149N/mm2 and 11.659N/mm2 to 146.850N/mm2. It was observed that the particle board which had the most preferable properties both physical and mechanical properties was E1 which was composed of 50% coconut shell, 25% palm kernel shell and 25% coconut husk.