Cristhel C. Esmeño (Author)
Abstract
The Panay region in the Philippines is renowned for its vast coconut plantations that produce a plentiful supply of coconut timber. The area also has access to locally sustained organic binders. When coconut timber is processed, sawdust becomes a by-product that can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to wood-based products. This experimental research was conducted to create a particle board product that would benefit the community without posing any health risk. The process of making a particle board involved combining sawdust and binders and then compressing it using heavy pressure. Particle boards with sago and parasol binders were sun-dried, while particle boards with breadnut binders were air-dried. The study assessed the physical characteristics of the particle board and its sensory qualities using testing and evaluation score sheets. The study found that the flexural strength of particle board with sago binder had the highest load-bearing capacity compared to other organic binders. In terms of water absorbency, the particle board with breadnut binder exhibited lesser water absorption. All particle boards using organic binders passed the density range of particle board. For the sensory qualities, the particle board with sago binder got the highest score in terms of appearance, texture, and firmness. The study also found that all three (3) organic binders used in the particle board were acceptable. There was no significant difference in the sensory qualities of coconut hard timber sawdust particle boards using different organic binders. Moreover results showed that coconut timber with organic binder could be used in making particle board.
Read the full text here.
Keywords: Coconut Timber, Sawdust, Particle Board, Organic Binder, Physical Characteristics, Sensory Qualities