OPTIMIZATION AND MATERIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF GROUNDNUT SHELL AND RICE HUSK FOR PRODUCTION OF PARTICLEBOARD

Abstract

The aim of this work is to the produce particle board (PB) from groundnut shell and rice husk using optimization approach. This research is tailored towards the quest for economical and eco-friendly materials by converting a waste into wealth. Box Behnken Design was used to optimize the effect of three variables: Groundnut husk (0-100g); Rice husk (0- 100g) and resin (1.5-2.5g) respectively. The optimal process levels predicted by the software for the PB were validated. The PB produced was analysed using Scanning Electron Microscope. The best levels from the interactions of the variables were: groundnut husk:50g; rice husk:100g and resin:3.50 with MOR of 3.50 N/mm2 and MOE of 932.4 N/mm2 while the predicted optimal levels of 65.99g; 86.34g and 1.69 was validated .The result of the Validation gave MOR of 3.49 N/mm2 and MOE of 932.10 N/mm2 . It can be concluded that particle board produced at the optimized conditions satisfied the American National Standard ANSI/A208.1-999 specification for general purpose particle boards.