Structures and Materials Mechanic Laboratory (LaS2M), EPL, University of Lomé 01 BP 1515 Lomé 01 – Togo.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2023, 20(03), 994-1005
Received on 11 October 2023; revised on 26 November 2023; accepted on 29 November 2023
The aim of this work is to improve the behavior of particleboard made from corn cobs, an abundant resource resulting from the valorization of Togolese agricultural and agro-industrial residues. The methodology adopted consists in manufacturing particleboard by grinding collected corn cobs into flour. The particles obtained will be used to manufacture different types of panels by varying the input parameter for panel production, i.e. the reclaimed low-density polyethylene (LDPE) content, in order to improve the performance of conventional particleboard. The LDPE content was varied from 5% to 20% in 5% increments. The next phase of the work involved determining the physical and mechanical characteristics of the panels produced by subjecting the cut samples to various tests, such as:
· Swelling test in water to obtain swelling thickness and water absorption rate ;
· Three-point bending test to determine modulus of elasticity (e) and maximum bending moment leading to rupture
· Traction test to characterize the modulus of maximum stress at break σr determined as a function of particle size and ldpe content. A total sample of 180 particleboards measuring 300 x 300 x 5 mm was tested. The densities obtained enable the corncob particleboards produced to be classified as high and medium density panels (m-1, s ; m-2, s) according to the american standard ansi a208.1-2009 [7][8]. As far as swelling is concerned, the particleboards have a low resistance to water, and can therefore only be used in dry interior environments, requiring protection against moisture. The thresholds set by ansi a208.1-2009 for modulus of elasticity e and modulus of rupture have largely been reached, and the results increase with increasing ldpe content for smaller grain sizes.
Particleboard; Particle Size; Swelling Test; Modulus of Elasticity; Breaking Stress
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Ayarema AFIO, Sinko BANAKINAO, Yawo Natê AGBETOSSOU, Soviwadan DROVOU and A. Komlan KASSEGNE. Study to improve the physical-mechanical behavior of corncob particleboard by adding recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE). World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2023, 20(3), 994-1005 . Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2023.20.3.2375