Study of the Swelling of a Composite Based on Argan Nut, Urea-Formaldehyde and Water as a Non-Polluting Solvent

Abstract

In the center and southwest of Morocco, there is an endemic tree «Argania Spinosa» known as the ironwood. The miraculous product of this millenary tree is argan oil. Known for its therapeutic and cosmetic properties. Only 20% of the fruit of the argan tree is intended for the manufacture of argan oil while the shell, which represents 80%, remains an unexploited resource. This hull, which is sold by farmers at low prices, is used as fuel for baths and Moorish bakeries. In order to value the shells; first, we sort, grind and sieve them. Second, we bind the particles into adhesive. Three biomaterials are based on three particle sizes of shell grains. The designed particles are bound with an adhesive powder that is produced from a pre-catalyzed urea-formaldehyde resin. Moreover, the water used is a non-polluting solvent. The biomaterials and two samples of Red and Beech Wood were immersed in water for 15 days, with mass measurements that were done on a daily basis. It was concluded that the swelling coefficient of the large distribution of biomaterial is smaller than the small distribution of biomaterial. However, Red and Beech Wood have the highest coefficient.