Abstract:
The objective of this study is to evaluate the mechanical and physical properties of the
particleboard manufactured from Rhizophora spp. in three particle sizes bonded with
powdered Eremurus spp. root as a bio-based adhesive in two adhesive treatment levels. The
samples acquired high internal bond strength values when the Rhizphora spp. particle size
was reduced and the adhesive treatment level was increased. Dimensional stability normally
increased with the reduced Rhizophora spp. wood particle size. The hydrophilic property of
Eremurus spp. indicates that dimensional stability also increased with decreased adhesive
treatment level. However, dimensional stability is affected by the adhesive treatment level
when the wood particle size is smaller than that of the adhesive particle. The density
distributions of the fabricated particleboards were evaluated using Surfer8 software, which
showed significant homogeneity in all samples. The microstructures of the fabricated
particleboards were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy, which
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refers to the better surrounding adhesive with bigger particles than Rhizophora spp. particles.
This study indicates the potential of Eremurus spp. root as a bio-adhesive, which improved
the characterization of Rhizophora spp. particleboard.