Investigation of optimum particles size and citric acid content for coconut husk particleboard manufacturing

Abstract

The development of particleboard made from non-wood lignocellulose materials and natural adhesives has become intensive research due to the lack of wood supply and fossil resources. In this study, coconut husk and citric acid were used as the raw material and natural adhesive for new generation of particleboards. The effect of particles size and citric acid content in the physical properties of the particleboards were investigated. The particles sizes of coconut husk were divided into 3 sizes of mesh such as 4, 10, and 14 while citric acid content was varied in the range of 15 to 25 wt%. Thermo-pressing technique was conducted in 200 °C for 10 min. 300 mm x 300 mm x 9 mm board size was formed for 0.8 g/cm3 target density. The physical properties of particleboards are improved from smaller to bigger particle size (4 to 14 mesh) proportional to the increment of citric acid content until 20 wt%. Type 18 JIS A 5908 (2003) standard was satisfied in physical properties of particleboards for 14 mesh of particles and 25 wt% citric acid binder. Consequently, it was concluded that 14 mesh of the particles size and a citric acid content of 25 wt% were effective in manufacturing particleboards composed of coconut husk and citric acid.