Evaluation of properties of graded density fiberboard produced from wood residues (sawdust and corrugated paper)

Abstract

Reuse of materials from waste streams is pertinent to achieving sustainable forest production. The enormous wood residues generated at sawmill and the disposal of wood based products poses threat not only to sustenance of the forest resources but also has negative adverse effect on the environment. Limitation exists in the utilization of wood residues as raw material for panel board production in developing countries.

This study examined the physical and mechanical properties of graded density fiberboards produced from varying mixture of sawdust and corrugated paper (pulp) at Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) in 2019. A 2x9 factorial experiment in one way analysis of variance was used to test for significant difference between the factors (density and mixing ratio) considered. The result shows that densities of all boards produced varied with mixing proportions. The densities increased with increasing content of corrugated paper. Boards produced at 0.45 g/cm³ showed higher density (0.648 g/cm³), bending strength (MOR) (1.47 N/mm²) and less water absorption (118.69 %) than those produced at 0.65 g/cm³ having values of 0.58 g/cm³, 1.32 N/mm² and 153.67 %  respectively. However boards produced at 0.65 g/cm³ had higher elasticity in bending (MOE) (209.19 N/mm²) and less thickness swelling (6.29 %) than those produced at 0.45 g/cm³ having values of 74.87 N/mm² and 10.88% respectively. Panel G (20:60:20), E (30:50:20) and I (10:70:20) of sawdust: corrugated paper: urea formaldehyde respectively showed superior features in physical and mechanical properties with panel I been the best mixture. Conclusively, wood residues (sawdust and corrugated paper) are suitable raw material for fiberboard production.