Valorization of Corn Husk (Zea Mays) And Corn Silk in Polymer Particleboard Manufacture and Effect of Waste Colemanite on the Mechanical Performance of Particleboards

Abstract

In this experimental study, the usability of waste corn husk was investigated as a source of reinforcement material for the first time in eco-friendly particleboard manufacture. For this purpose, the effect of the most appropriate filler/binder (f/b) ratio and pressing temperature manufacturing conditions on three-point flexural strength in particleboard manufacture was examined. To improve the mechanical properties, the water resistance and combustion resistance of the manufactured particleboards, different amounts of corn silk fiber (0~1.50% by weight) and waste colemanite (0~20% by weight) were added. According to the experimental results, the most appropriate manufacturing conditions for the manufacture of corn husk-based particleboard were determined as f/b ratio of 0.75, pressing temperature of 100 °C, and corn silk fiber loading of 0.75 wt%. Additionally, synthetic binders and beet molasses were used together in particleboard manufacture. The particleboards manufactured comply with the specifications of the EN 312 standard, being below the maximum limit values in terms of thickness swelling, and water absorption rates. In addition, by increasing the waste colemanite content in the board composition, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) values and combustion resistance of the boards were increased. However, the use of waste colemanite in particleboard manufacture reduced the flexural strength of the boards. When 5% waste colemanite was added to the particleboards, the boards manufactured met the minimum limit value requirement for P1 type board, according to EN 312. The dimensional stability of the manufactured particleboards, according to the determined manufacturing conditions, is quite good. Particleboards manufactured from corn husks can be used in interior and exterior applications as eco-friendly building materials.