The effect of seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii) age differences as a material on medium density fiberboard (MDF) manufacture

Abstract

Eucheuma cottonii is a potential type of seaweed because of its abundant production. Its content of lignocellulose could be beneficial in Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) manufacture since it could increase the market of this kind of seaweed. Lignocellulose itself is influenced by the age of seaweed. The aim of this study was to determine the different age in Eucheuma cottonii which could effect on its physical and mechanical properties of MDF product. Furthermore, the aim was also to investigate whether the product could meet standard set by JIS A 5908 2003. The study was designed using a Completely Randomized Design with five types of treatment and four times replications. This study used Eucheuma cottonii and sawdust. Manufacture of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) consisted of five types of treatment: T0: Sawdust 100%, T1: Seaweed 100%, T2: Sawdust 50 % + Seaweed 50 % aged 15 days, T3: Sawdust 50 % + Seaweed 50 % aged 30 days, T4 Sawdust 50 % + Seaweed 50 % aged 45 days. The results showed that different between physical and mechanical test for the each treatment.