Utilization of Coconut Husks (Cocos Nuciferas) Into Fiberboards

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Coconut trees play a very important role in various aspects of industry. Coconuts serve as a great tool considering its various uses as itprovides human's basic needs such as clothing, shelter, foods, source of income, among others. It is very abundant in tropical regions including the Philippines. One of coconut's substantial part is the coconut husk where fibers that are rich in lignin content servesas a natural adhesive in producing binderless fiberboards.

METHODS

The coconut husks were collected from Trece Martires City, Dry Market and Indang Road. The husks underwent decorticating machine provided by the Philippine Coconut Authority and were filtered using a screen to obtain coconut dusts as the main raw material in producing fiberboards. The two treatments were mixed manually with different binders and molded before it undergone hot hydraulic press machine while the other treatment was pressed directly after molded. Produced fiberboards were cooled down and trimmed into 30cm by 30 cm.

RESULTS

Based on the result of the study, fiberboards can be produced with coconut husks. The results were evaluated and tested by the Forest Products and Research and Development Institute or FPRDI. The best treatment for the two evaluated properties such as thickness swelling and water absorption was Treatment 1 which was made up of grinded plastics and coconut dusts while for mechanical property namely Modulus of Rupture, Treatment 2 which was made up of isocyanate and coconut dusts.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the results obtained at FPRDI laboratory, the researchers concluded that there are significant differences between the physical properties and mechanical properties of the produced fiberboards and the commercial fiberboard. Therefore, the fiberboard produced is a great help in the construction industry because it is an efficient substitute for installing interiors uses and decorations such as furniture and cabinets. Lastly, this can be a source of income. It can be used as an alternative plywood because it is more unique. People know that there is always a huge demand for these types of natural handicraft all over the world. It is a good alternative to wood and helps to prevent deforestation for the production of known fiberboards.