Effect of Isocyanate Resin Level on Properties of Passion Fruit Hulls (PFH) Particleboard

Abstract

The main problem of particleboard is had low dimensional stability. The using of exterior adhesive type will help to improve that problem. The objective of this research was to evaluate of isocyanate level on physical and mechanical properties of passion fruit hulls particleboard. Passion fruit hull particles (PFH) were dried up to 5% moisture content. Particleboard made in size of 25 by 25 cm2 with density and thickness were 0.80 g/cm3 and 1 cm respectively. Isocyanate resin at various level (7,5,9, and 11%) used for manufacturing of board. After blending of particle and resin, materials were placed into the mold in size of 25 by 25 cm2. Furthermore, elements were pressed using a hot pressing machine with the temperature, time, and pressure of 160°C, 6 minutes and 30 kg/cm2 respectively. Conditioning process was applied for 7days in room temperature. The results showed that the increasing of resin level resulted in improvement of some parameters such as moisture content, thickness swelling, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and internal bond. Isocyanate resin level of 11% produced the best properties of PFH particleboard.