Resistance of fibreboards made of milled coconut husk and bonded with tannin against insects and fungi under Philippine conditions

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe study is aimed to determine the resistance of fibreboards made of milled coconut (Cocos nucifera [L.]) husk and bonded with tannin adhesive (Coconut Fibreboards - CFB) against wood-destroying insects and fungi under laboratory and field conditions. Marine plywood (MPW) samples were included in the tests for comparison. Results showed that CFB had higher resistance to insect and fungi than MPW. After four months of laboratory exposure to subterranean termites CFB had only few signs of nibbling with weight losses of 3.5%. MPW showed instead weight losses of 95%. CFB exposed for 12 months to drywood termite were damaged between 0.0% and 6.0%. MPW damage was within 21.0% and 65.0% within the same period. Wood decay fungi caused weight loss of 7.8% in CFB, while weight losses between 55.4% and 88.0% were observed in MPW. The potential of CFB for applications as ceiling and wall cladding in the Philippines was therefore suggested.