The Impact of Expanded Polystyrene on the Performance Characteristics of Rice Husk Particleboard using Gum Arabic as Adhesive Binder

Abstract

Samples of particleboard (PB) made from rice husk (RH), expanded polystyrene (EPS) and Gum Arabic (GA) were investigated for viability and alternative to wood-based PB for sustainable environment. RH and EPS are cheap agricultural and industrial wastes with potentials for conversion into building materials. The EPS/GA resin percentage levels considered for this study were 0/30%, 5/25%, 10/20%, 15/15% and 20/10% by weight. Laboratory testing carried out on the produced PB were density, flexural, split tensile, and compressive strengths and water absorption and swelling in thickness in accordance with British and ASTM standards. The test results showed that the flexural, split tensile, and compressive strengths improved by 110.3%, 24.8%, and 202.2% respectively at different resin levels, but, the water absorption and swelling in thickness were not adequately mitigated. However, the entire produced PB composite are classified as medium density hard board.