Effect of treated particles on the properties of particleboard made from oil palm trunk

• The suitability of particles from oil palm trunk was evaluated.
• Influence of pre-treatment particles on particleboard properties.
• Hot water treatment improves properties of the boards.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the properties of particleboard made from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) trunks treated with hot water and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Experimental panels were manufactured from oil palm particles soaked in hot water for 30 min and soaked in NaOH with 2% concentration for the same time span. Urea formaldehyde adhesive was used for both types of particles as binder. Bending, internal bonding strength, thickness swelling and water absorption of the panels were tested. Scanning electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were employed to analyze the properties of raw materials and manufactured panels. Based on the findings in this study, samples made with raw material treated with hot water resulted in 863.93 MPa modulus of elasticity and 7.09 MPa modulus of rupture which were higher than those of control panels and made from NaOH treated particles. Internal bond strength of the specimens also followed the similar trend. Both treatments improved the dimensional characteristics of the specimens.