Influence Of Varying Mix Design And Fiber Length On The Properties Of Water Hyacinth Particle Board

Abstract

This study is focused on the investigation of the influence of varying mix design and fiber length on the properties of water hyacinth particleboard. A total of nine mixtures were considered using three resin-fiber ratio (70:30, 75:25 and 80:20) and three varying fiber lengths (13 mm, 26 mm and 52 mm) to produce 30 cm by 30 cm by 1.2 cm sample boards. The samples were prepared and tested for Water Absorption and Thickness Swelling Test, Modulus of Rupture Test, Face Screw Holding Strength Test, Internal Bond Strength Test and Edge Screw Holding Strength Test based on the Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standards – 320 (PAES – 320) for Type 100 particleboards. Based on the test results, the amount of resin and the size of fibers used in the mix have an influence on the physical and mechanical properties of the particleboard. The more resin used in the mix the lesser the particleboard absorbs water. Moreover, the use of large amount of resin makes the particleboard brittle. On the other hand, the use of small and long fibers in the mix showed a significant effect on the properties of the board. Incorporating smaller sizes of fibers causes higher thickness swelling due to the larger exposed contact area that absorbs water.  Consequently, the use of short fibers resulted to a low holding strength in the board and less continuous bond in the fibers, while the use of longer fibers caused difficulty and consistency in the mix which affected the even distribution of the binder. Hence, voids are formed causing lower strength in the particleboard. Generally, the particleboards having a resin-fiber ratio of 70:30 with 26 mm fiber length reinforcement exhibited the best performance among the nine mixtures satisfying the PAES - 320 for Type 100 high-density particleboard.