Particleboard manufactured from rubberwood RRIM 2002 clone planted with different fertilizer treatment

This work focus on the effects of SRF (Slow Release Fertilizer) + NPK fertilizer rates on the properties of rubberwood particleboards produced. The particleboards were fabricated using rubber tree trial clone RRIM 2002. RRIM 2002 clone still in trial plot with age of 4-year old and classified as Latex Timber Clone which estimated to produce large wood volume and also better latex yield. The properties of particleboard were categorized and evaluated based on fertilizer treatment applied on RRIM 2002 clone tree: T1 (SRF + NPK at normal rate), T2 (SRF + 1.5 x NPK at normal rate), T3 (SRF + 2.0 x NPK at normal rate) and T4 (SRF + 2.5 x NPK at normal rate, control (NPK at normal rate). The resin used for particleboard fabrication was urea formaldehyde (UF) (63.9% solid) type E1. The resin content is 10%. The thickness of board is 10 mm with density 700 kgm-3. The particleboards were fabricated and assessed in accordance to Japanese Industrial Standard for Particleboard (JIS A 5908-2003). The properties that been assessed were on modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bonding (IB), thickness swelling (TS) and water absorption (WA). From this study, it is found that fertilizer treatment influences the particle recovery and performance of particleboard especially on dimensional stability and internal bonding properties which significantly affected. The MOR and MOE of particleboard made from rubber trees that treated with SRF-NPK fertilizer showed better performance compared to that of with NPK fertilizer alone (control), however, the differences were not significant. In term of IB, no specific trend was observed. Lastly, for dimensional stability (TS and WA), particleboard produced from SRF-NPK fertilizer reduced the board stability when subjected to cold water soak

Method of acetylation of cellulose nanofibers.

The present invention relates to a method of acetylation of cellulose fibers, wherein pulped fibers are acetylated, the acetylated fibers are processed to acetylated nanofibers and subsequently the acetylated nanofibers are isolated. The method of the invention provides a novel processing route to produce cellulose nanofibers with more hydrophobic surfaces

Current progress of biopolymer-based flame retardant

Due to thermal and flame/fire sensitivity of biopolymers especially in plant-based biopolymer fillers, it is extremely and necessary to improve the reaction to flame. The bio-polymers currently are used in many applications and daily life products and due to the potential risks of its tendency to burn and widespread the flames. To overcome these risks, an introduction of flame retardant (FR) compounds, additives, or fillers based on organic and inorganic approaches such as nitrogen-based FRs, halogenated-based FRs, and nano fillers have becoming significant incorporated into biopolymers. Most traditional uses of FRs that involve halogenated and inorganic FRs are toxic and non-biodegradable during disposal. Thus, the need to look for more environmentally friendly FRs such as nanocellulose, lignin, and others have become crucial. Because of concern on environmental and human health issues the biopolymers becoming a popular subject nowadays among scientists and researchers. The aim of this review paper is to promote the use of biodegradable and bio-based compounds for flame retardants with reduction in carbon footprint and emission. Furthermore, the addition of bio-based FRs are significant in preventing and reducing the spread of flames compared with conventional FRs. A detailed discussion on the flame retardants mechanism, characterization techniques, morphology correlation and various biopolymers with flame retardants are also discussed

Latest advancements in high-performance bio-based wood adhesives: A critical review

Over the last 50 years, the use of wood adhesives in the manufacturing of wood-based panel goods has increased the efficiency of wood resources. Wood adhesives are becoming more popular as the need for wood-based panels grows. By 2028, the global market for wood adhesives is expected to reach 21.8 billion dollars. Even though urea-formaldehyde (UF), phenol-formaldehyde (PF), melamine-formaldehyde (MF), phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde (PRF), and resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) resins are excellent in terms of bonding performance, workability, quality, and economy, they consist of harmful or toxic chemical agents derived from fossil resources, which make their application severely limited. This review aims to go through the most significant ‘green’ wood adhesives for manufacturing high-performance wood-based panels, such as lignin, tannin, protein, natural rubber, emulsion polymer isocyanate (EPI), 1C PUR polyurethane (for glue-laminated wood and cross-laminated timber), PMDI (for particleboards, medium-density and low-density fiberboards), carboxylic acid, and vegetable oil. The physical and mechanical characteristics of bio-based wood adhesives, as well as the development of sustainable, greener, and high-performance bio-based wood adhesives, are discussed in this work. Original research papers and review articles are among the most important sources since they provide complete information on the most recent developments in sustainable, eco-friendly, and high-performance bio-based wood adhesives