Development of particleboard from waste styrofoam and sawdust

Abstract

The use of Plastic Based Resin (PBR) synthesised from waste Styrofoam as binder in the production of particleboard was the focus of this investigation. This study explored the properties of particleboard produced from sawdust wastes and PBR resin synthesized from waste Styrofoam. Three particleboard panels namely C1, C2 and C3 were prepared with 20%, 30%, and 40%, (v/v), respectively. PBR was synthesised via solvolysis of waste Styrofoam in a chosen solvent, and properly mixed with sawdust by simple mechanical stirring, using hand lay-up process in cold pressing to obtain the desired shapes. ASTM D-1037 standard was used to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of the manufactured particleboards. Density, moisture content (MC), water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS), and mechanical properties i.e. modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) of C2 and C3 were better than that of C1 particleboard and met the LD-1 requirement of ANSI A208.1. PBR from Styrofoam waste is confirmed as a good substitute for Urea or formaldehyde based resin presently used industrially. The properties of C2 and C3 synthesised are in tandem with the requirements of the ANSI A208.1 standards.Keywords: styrofoam waste, plastic-based resin, particleboard, sawdust waste, curing