Evaluating the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Particleboards Fabricated from Vernonia Arborea Buch. -Ham and Eleocharis sp. Fibers with PVAc Adhesive.

This study aimed to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of particleboards fabricated from Vernonia arborea Buch.-Ham and Eleocharis sp. fibers with PVAc adhesive based on the SNI 03-2105-2006. A two-factor factorial in completely randomized design was used with adhesive contents of 10% and 20% as the first, and ratios of V. arborea Buch.-Ham to Eleocharis sp. of 30/70, 50/50 and 70/30 as the second factor. The materials were V. arborea Buch.-Ham wood shaving (mesh size of 4), Eleocharis sp. (chop length of 1-2cm), and PVAc adhesive. The parameters were moisture content, density, water absorption, and thickness swelling for physical properties, and modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, internal bond strength, and screw holding strength for mechanical properties. However, both properties do not meet the SNI 03-2105-2006 (except for thickness swelling), allegedly caused by imprecise concentration and uneven distribution of PVAc. Additionally, 3h boiling of Eleocharis sp. is not able to remove its wax layer, causing less optimal adhesion between materials. Particleboard with 20% PVAc shows the best result. Principally, the adhesive concentration has significant effects, while the combination between V. arborea Buch.- Ham and Eleocharis sp. has insignificant effects on the physical and mechanical properties of particleboards. The evaluated composition is recommended for interior uses (partition walls, wall panels, information boards, and lightweight ceilings), with the addition of coating to improve durability and decorative value. As an additional material, Eleocharis sp. has a high sustainability value due to its availability in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]