Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Peels and High-Density Polyethylene as Wood Plastic Composite

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This experimental study aimed to physically create a "Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Peels and High-Density Polyethylene as Wood Plastic Composite..” It is to be used for interior design on walls and floors. Wood composites are also known as engineered wood, man-made wood or manufactured board when using wood fibers and thermoplastics. Not only can it use cellulose-containing fibers, but they can also make use of lignin-containing materials. They are usually fixed using adhesives in order to have diverse characteristics. Most wood composites traditionally use solid woods. On the other hand, cassava, which is also called manioc, mandioca, or yucca, is from the spurge family Euphorbiaceae. The said plant is edible and generally grown in tropical places. More possibly, cassava was first cultivated by the Maya in the Yucatan.

METHODS

Cassava peel is obtained from the cassava itself. The cassava peel and high-density polyethylene plastic are cut into pieces and is bonded using heat press with temperature ranging from approximately 180 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius for the production of the wood plastic composite. The size of the produced particle board is 12 inches x12 inches with a thickness of 0.6mm, gentle light brown in color.

RESULTS

Based on the results of the experiment, it showed that Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Peel and High-Density Polyethylene as Wood Plastic Composite has been potentially accepted as a wood plastic composite particle board.

DISCUSSIONS

This study seeks to determine other uses and utilization of Cassava peel and to test if it is a possible candidate for the creation of a wood plastic composite. The latter is relatively determined by the water absorption test and impact test prepared beforehand by the researchers.