Articles

The study investigates the use of Recycled Polystyrene (RP) in the production of particleboard. Boards of 6mm thickness with dimension of 350 mm x 350 mm were produced from mixture of Cocos nucifera stem particles and RP. The boards were made at varying mixing ratio of 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 and board densities of 1000 kg/m3 1100 kg/m3 and 1200 kg/m3. Thickness swelling (TS), Water Absorption (WA), Modulus of Rupture, and Modulus of Elasticity of the boards were evaluated in accordance to ASTM D-1037 standard. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% probability level. TS and WA decreases as the mixing ratio increases from 1:1 to 3:1 and board density increases from 1000 kg/m3 to 1200 kg/m3. Also, MOR and MOE of boards increase as the board density was increased from 1000 kg/m3 to 1200 kg/m3. However, MOR and MOE of boards initially increase as mixing ratio increases from 1:1 to 2:1 and later decreases with further increase in mixing ratio. The strongest and most dimensionally stable board was produced at board 1200 kg/m3 and mixing ratio 2:1. This study proves that RP is a good substitute for formaldehyde based resin commonly used in particle boards industries.