Production of particleboard using olive stone waste for interior design

Abstract

The utilization of agricultural solid waste of olive oil industry (olive stone) to produce particleboards for interior design may result in several environmental and economic benefits. Moreover, these wastes which were once converted into particleboards would become an excellent alternative source to replace wood and wood fiber. In Libya, concerns have been rising about the amount of the olive stone wastes from the olive oil processing industry which were dumped in the environment annually. Accordingly, this study was examined the possible feasibility of the olive stone wastes in the production of particleboards for interior design. Particleboards were produced by using olive stone waste and commercial polyester sealer as a binding agent. The results showed that the physical, mechanical and biological properties of the produced particleboards in terms of moisture content, water absorption, thickness swelling, bending strength, porosity and resistance against fungi and bacteria are in good agreement with international standard. Additionally, these particleboards can be drilled, nailed, sawed, and painted similarly to any other wood-based particleboards. Attempts to find suitable applications for the produced particleboards in interior decoration were successfully accomplished. The overall results of the study demonstrate that the olive stones are appropriate material to make particleboards for interior design.