Feasibility of using eggplant (Solanum melongena) stalks in the production of experimental particleboard

This study examined possible feasibility of eggplant (Solanum melongena) stalks in the production of particleboard. Three-layer experimental particleboards with density of 0.53, 0.63, 0.73 and 0.78 g/cm3 were manufactured from eggplant stalks using certain ratios of urea formaldehyde (UF) and melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF) adhesives. Modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond strength (IB), thickness swelling (TS) properties of the boards were evaluated and a statistical analysis was performed in order to examine possible feasibility of these stalks in commercial particleboard manufacturing. The experimental results have shown that production of general purpose and furniture grade particleboard used in dry conditions using eggplant stalks is technically viable. The results of the study demonstrate that eggplant stalks can be an alternative raw material source for particleboard industry.