Termite resistance and physico-mechanical properties of particleboard using waste tobacco stalk and wood particles

The study investigated the termite resistance, physical and mechanical properties of particleboard made from waste tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) stalk and Paraserianthes falcataria wood particles. Boards containing at least 25% tobacco stalk exhibited excellent termite resistance in laboratory no-choice feeding test against the Asian subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi Wasmann. Underground ground field exposure tests also showed that particleboard containing at least 50% tobacco stalk provided excellent protection against Philippine subterranean termites. Termite resistance of particleboard containing tobacco stalk is most likely due to the presence of residual nicotine in the samples. Addition of P. falcataria wood particles in all proportions used in this study resulted in boards with internal bond, stiffness and strength properties above the minimum set by the European standard EN 312-2 (1996) for general use particleboards. Boards containing 50-100% tobacco stalk showed high water absorption and thickness swelling after 24 h soaking in water. Results of the study showed that tobacco stalk can be used as an alternative material either alone or in combination with wood particles for the manufacture of particleboard with direct positive impact on disposal problem and efficient utilization of this waste biomass.