Physical and mechanical properties of plastic bonded boards produced from palm kernel chaff

Abstract

The physical and mechanical properties of plastic bonded boards (PBB) produced from palm kernel chaff fibers were evaluated. In this study, the effects of plastic/fiber ratio of 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1 and board density of 800kg/m³, 900kg/m³, and 1000kg/m³ on water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS), modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) were investigated. PBB produced exhibited mean values ranging from 4.55 to 28.19% for WA, 0.7 to 7.32% for TS, 7.54 to 30.27N/mm² for MOR and 8307.05 to 19820.52 N/mm² for MOE. Increase in mixing ratio and board density caused a decrease in thickness swelling, water absorption properties. The lowest value were obtained from the boards produced at the highest mixing ratio (3:1) and at board density (1000kg/m3) which are most dimensionally stable and show reduction in thickness movement as they have the lowest value after 24hours cold water immersion. It was also observed that the strength properties were affected by plastic/palm kernel fiber mixing ratio and board density. The MOR and MOE value increased with increase in mixing ratio level from 1:1 to 3:1 and board density from 800g/mm² to 1000g/mm² were strongest and dimensional stable than those produced at other levels. All the production variables have significant effect on all the properties investigated.