In this study, physical, mechanical, and flammability properties of coconut fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) composite panels were evaluated. Four levels of the coir fiber content (40, 50, 60, and 70 % based on the composition by weight) were mixed with the PP powder and a coupling agent, 3 wt % maleic anhydride grafted PP (MAPP) powder. The water resistance and the internal bond strength of the composites were negatively influenced by increasing coir fiber content. However, the flexural strength, the tensile strength, and the hardness of the composites improved with increasing the coir fiber content up to 60 wt %. The flame retardancy of the composites improved with increasing coir fiber content. The results suggest that an optimal composite panel formulation for automotive interior applications is a mixture of 60 wt % coir fiber, 37 wt % PP powder, and 3 wt % MAPP.

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This study presents the evaluation of some important properties of sandwich-type panels made from bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) and rice straw (Oryza sativa). A total of 32 experimental panels with an average target density ranging from 0.65 to 0.80 g/cm3 were produced. The sandwich-type experimental panels were made from a mix of 95 percent bamboo and 5 percent rice straw particles as the core layers and a mix of 95 percent bamboo and 5 percent rice straw fibers as the face layers. Mechanical properties of the specimens, including modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, internal bond strength, hardness, face screw holding strength, formaldehyde emission, thickness swelling, and surface roughness, were determined. Experimental results showed that both physical and mechanical properties of the samples were favorable. Panel type D, with 50 percent fiber and 50 percent particle and a density of 0.80 g/cm3, had the highest strength characteristics. Mechanical properties of the panel satisfied the minimum requirements for interior particleboard panels for general use based on Japanese Industrial Standard A-5908 of 1995. It appears that using only 5 percent rice straw did not adversely influence overall properties of the samples. This study indicates that bamboo and rice straw furnish can be used as a viable alternative to wood in the form of three-layer, sandwich-type panels with enhanced surface quality as substrate for thin overlays to manufacture panels products for furniture and cabinet units.