Feasibility Study on the Production of Particleboard from Maize Cobs, Rice Husks, and Groundnut Shells Using Acacia Mimosa Tannin Extract as the Bonding Adhesive

Abstract

In recent years, depleted resources and environmental concerns have stimulated research in renewable and recyclable materials for particleboard production. This paper presents the research work on the production of particleboards using maize (Zea mays) cobs, rice (Oryza glaberrima) husks, and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) shells, which are abundantly available as agricultural residues. The goal of this project was to study the feasibility of medium-density particleboard panels made of agricultural residues for use as internal partition wall cladding in residential buildings. The panels of densities between 600 and 900 kg/m3 were produced using a natural-based adhesive from acacia mimosa tannin extract and hexamine. Some other parameters like the moisture content (after adhesive application) and the press temperature were varied during the production so as to investigate their effect on some mechanical and physical properties like internal bond strength, bending modulus of rupture, swelling, and hardness. The mechanical properties of rice husk– and groundnut shell–derived particleboard failed to satisfy European standard requirements in terms of bending strength; those made of maize cobs achieved the specifications but at a higher density compared with common wood-based particleboard. The swelling behavior did not meet the standard for use in wet areas. The particle geometry and size as well as the board structure did not compare well with the properties of the wood-based materials, but the products from those residues do hold promise for use as nonload-bearing members. On the side of rice husk and groundnut shells, alternate areas of application such as thermal insulation and decorative cladding materials could be contemplated.