Physical and mechanical properties of cement-bonded particle board produced from African balsam tree (Populous Balsamifera) and periwinkle shell residues

Reducing the amount of wastes deposited into the environment has become important. A fresh approach in doing this is by recycling them. This paper investigated the physical and mechanical properties of cement bonded particle boards from agricultural wastes. The particle boards were tested for their physical (density, water absorption and thickness swelling) and mechanical (modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture) properties. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was carried out to determine the internal microstructure of the boards. The results revealed that periwinkle shell and cement have a great influence on the density of the board, cement and sawdust have a great influence on water absorption and thickness swelling, cement has a great influence on Modulus of Rupture & Modulus of Elasticity for all the combinations tested. The SEM photograph of the cut surface of the boards showed good fibre matrix adhesion at mix ratio of 1:1.5 (cement/waste). At lower fraction of cement matrix to waste ratio, the cement bonded particle board lost its adhesive force. It was concluded that sawdust and periwinkle shells are suitable materials in the production of particle boards.