Ecowood Composites Made using Citric-Acidmodified Corn and Oil Palm Starches as the Binder

Abstract

The conventional wood-based composites contain an unreacted free formaldehyde, which causes a cancerous effect on humans. To overcome this problem, citric-acid-modified corn and oil palm starches are proposed as ecobinders for wood-based composites in this study. Experimental rubber-wood panels were made using the ecobinders. The panels were subjected to FT-IR, TGA, DSC, and X-ray diffraction analyses, and then their modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, bond strength, water absorption, and thickness swelling were determined experimentally. The results obtained are shown in figures and tables.