Assessment of physical and mechanical properties of particleboard from millet huskrecycled expanded polystyrene composit

Abstract

In this study, physical and mechanical properties of particle boards made from a mixture of millet husks (MH) and resinous materials obtained from polystyrene waste were evaluated and discussed. Particle boards were prepared by mixing polystyrene-based resin (PBR) and millet husks followed by a flat press process at different ratios (v/v). Mix ratios of 2.1:1, 2.3:1, and 2.5:1 of polystyrene-based resin (PBR) by weight of the millet husks were produced. Mechanical (modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity) and physical properties (density, moisture content, thickness swelling and water absorption) were carried out following ASTM D1037-93 procedures. The results showed that density, moisture content (MC), water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS), and mechanical properties such as modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) of 2.3:1 and 2.5:1 were better than that of 2:1 particleboard and met the minimum value prescribed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI A208.1).