Sugarcane bagasse and castor oil polyurethane adhesive-based particulate composite

Abstract

This paper discusses the potential use of sugarcane bagasse in two different fiber lengths (5 mm and 8 mm) of the same density as a raw material for the production of particleboards, using castor oil-based two-component polyurethane adhesive. The quality of the product that can be manufactured industrially was evaluated based on density, thickness swell (TS), absorption (WA), modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR) in static bending and internal bond (IB), according to the Brazilian NBR 14.810:2006 standard. The results revealed a significant difference between the particleboards made with 5-mm-long fibers and those made with 8-mm-long fibers. An analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicates that the interparticle spaces are filled with castor oil-based two-component polyurethane adhesive, contributing to improve the physicomechanical properties of the particleboards. A durability assessment based on accelerated aging tests shows that waterproofed particleboards can be used in moist environments. © 2013.