DEVELOPMENT OF PARTICLEBOARDS FROM MIXED SAWDUST AND RICE HUSKS USING BIO-BASED ADHESIVES

ABSTRACT The increasing scarcity of wood resources and the environmental burden of agricultural waste have intensified the need for sustainable alternatives in composite board manufacturing. This study focuses on the development of particleboards from a mixed blend of sawdust and rice husks using bio-based adhesives, aimed at producing eco-friendly and cost-effective panels suitable for nonstructural applications. Sawdust and rice husks were sourced locally, characterized, and combined in a 50:50 ratio, while bio-based adhesives like Gum Arabic was used as binder. A mixture design approach using Design Expert software guided the formulation and evaluation of the optimum blend. The physical and mechanical properties of the produced boards were assessed. The results showed a water absorption value of 75.64% and thickness swelling of 18.94%, indicating high hydrophilicity typical of agro-based materials. Mechanical testing revealed a modulus of rupture (MOR) of 1.55 MPa, modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 23.19 MPa, impact strength of 0.004997 J/mm², tensile strength of 0.616 N/m², ultimate tensile strength of 0.538 MPa, and yield strength of 0.487 MPa. Although these values are lower than those of conventional synthetic-resin bonded particleboards, they demonstrate the potential of bio-adhesive formulations in producing environmentally sustainable particleboards. The study highlights that particleboards produced from sawdust–rice husk mixtures and bio-based adhesives can serve as viable alternatives for lowload interior applications.