Nigerian agricultural waste products for the production of particleboard

In recent years scarcity of resources and environmental aspects have stimulated research on renewable and recyclable resources for particleboard production 1. This paper deals with single- layer particleboards based on corn cobs, rice husks and groundnut shells, abundantly available agricultural residues in Nigeria. Panels were produced at densities between 550 and 900 kg/m3 using a natural tannin-based adhesive. On the side of the process parameters, the moisture content after adhesive application and the press temperature were varied. While the mechanical properties of rice husk and groundnut shell derived particleboard fail to satisfy European standard requirements in terms of bending strength, those made of corn cob achieve the specifications, but at higher density compared to common wood-based particleboard and holding a swelling behaviour not conform for use in wet area. Meanwhile, the particle geometry and -size as well as the board structure leave room for improvement to catch up with wood-based materials. On the side of rice husk and groundnut shells, alternative areas of application as thermal insulation and decorative cladding material are thinkable.