Physical, Mechanical and Flame Retardant Properties of Particleboard Made from Oil Palm Trunk

In this study, physical, mechanical and flame retardant properties of oil palm trunk particleboards were evaluated. The properties of oil palm trunk particleboards were compared with polylactic acid (PLA) added board, where PLA was added as a function of natural binder, and PLA added board with calcium sulfate (CaSO4) and magnesium oxide (MgO), where CaSO4 and MgO was added as a function of flame retardant additives. The thickness swelling, modulus of rupture and internal bond strength properties improved as addition of PLA. In comparison to addition of additives, PLA added board with CaSO4 exhibited higher physical and mechanical properties than PLA added boards. The flame retardant properties of PLA added oil palm trunk board with CaSO4 showed higher value of LOI compared to others. Overall results revealed addition PLA improved the physical and mechanical properties of oil palm trunk particleboard and the flame retardant properties increased with addition of additives namely MgO and CaSO4.