Properties of binderless particleboard from oil palm trunk with addition of polyhydroxyalkanoates

This study evaluated the properties of binderless particleboard made from oil palm trunk with addition of polyhydroxyalkanoates in the form of freeze dried and pure samples. Modulus of rupture, internal bonding strength, thickness swelling and water absorption of the boards were evaluated based on Japanese Industrial Standards. Modulus of rupture and internal bonding strength increased as the amount of polyhydroxyalkanoates were increased. Thickness swelling and water absorption decreased with increasing percentage of polyhydroxyalkanoates. The surface roughness, gas chromatography, thermogravimetric analyses, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were also investigated. Based on the findings in this work, it appears that the addition of polyhydroxyalkanoates enhanced overall properties of such binderless panels.