Optimization of processing parameters for the manufacturing of jute stick binderless particleboard

This study investigated the effects of processing parameters, namely particle mixing ratios, press temperatures, and time for the manufacturing of jute stick binderless particleboard (JBPB). Different ratios of fine and coarse particles, press temperature (160 to 240 °C) and press time (4 to 10 min) were used for JBPB fabrication with a target density of 0.9 g/cm3. The dimensional stability and mechanical properties of JBPB were determined according to Japanese Industrial Standard JIS A 5908 (2003). The result shows that the most favorable pressing conditions in the manufacturing process were press temperature of 220 °C for 6 min with a mixing ratio of 50:50 (fine: coarse). The modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and internal bonding (IB) of JBPB was 16.35 N/mm2, 3872.99 N/mm2, and 1.07 N/mm2, respectively, which met the minimum requirement for type-18 of particleboard JIS A 5908 (2003) except for the value of MOR. The bonding mechanism was analyzed by the chemical changes in the raw materials after the fabrication of JBPBs. The pentosans present in the raw material decreased with the increased press temperatures. In this study, the hemicellulose was decomposed which may accelerate the self-bonding of the JBPB at high temperatures. The thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the JBPB showed good thermal stability with the increase of press temperatures. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra indicated that the removal of hydroxyl groups which increased the dimensional stability of JBPBs. Hence, it could be concluded that by controlling particle mixing ratio (50:50) at high press temperature with proper press time, high-performance jute stick binderless particleboard could be successfully developed which has a variety of applications.