Abstract
A large amount of research is being carried out to increase the use of renewable and eco-friendly resources like plant fibres for manufacturing new products in order to reduce energy consumption and improve their environmental impact. The almond is a deciduous tree that is native to Mediterranean areas, although nowadays the United States is the world’s main almond producer. The almond fruit has three distinct parts: the inner core or flesh, the hard middle part or shell, and the outer covering of the shell, called the hull (exocarp and mesocarp). This work analyses the use of almond residues for producing eco-friendly particleboards. The ground hull of the almond has been used as a raw material, obtaining 4 different particle sizes. Eight type of board has been manufactured without using any kind of adhesive. The particle size influences some physical and mechanical properties. With particle sizes <0.25 mm it is possible to achieve greater strength in terms of modulus of rupture (MOR): 14.01 N/mm2, modulus of elasticity (MOE): 2295.32 N/mm2 and internal bonding strength (IB): 0.57 N/mm2. This study shows that it is technically possible to manufacture boards with this material without using adhesives.
Highlights
The almond, whose scientific name is Prunus dulcis (Mill) D.A
The almond hull is obtained when the portion of the almond fruit that surrounds the hard shell dries and it is normally left in the field, constituting a waste product that can lead to environmental problems such as the spread of fires or pests
The particles were collected in a vibrating sieve and 4 particle sizes were selected: particles that passed through the 4 mm sieve but were retained in the 2 mm one (2 to 4 mm), particles that passed through the 2 mm sieve but were retained in the 1 mm one (1 to 2 mm), particles that passed through the 1 mm sieve but were retained in the 0.25 mm one (0.25 to 1 mm) and particles that passed through the 0.25 mm sieve (
Summary
The almond, whose scientific name is Prunus dulcis (Mill) D.A. Webb, belongs to the Rosaceae family and is related to stone fruits such as peaches, plums and cherries. The almond tree is a species native to Mediterranean areas. It was spread in ancient times along the shores of the Mediterranean to North Africa and Southern Europe and, more recently, it was transported to other parts of the world, especially California (USA). The almond fruit has three distinct parts: the inner core or flesh, the hard middle part or shell, and the green outer covering of the shell, called the hull. The almond hull (exocarp and mesocarp) is obtained when the portion of the almond fruit that surrounds the hard shell dries and it is normally left in the field, constituting a waste product that can lead to environmental problems such as the spread of fires or pests
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