Development of Eco-friendly Particleboard Composite using Fly Ash

¹ Faculty of Civil Engineering and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
² Sustainable Environmental Research Group (SERG), Center of Excellence Geopolymer and Green Technology (CEGeoGTech), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia.
³ National Institute for Research and Development in Environmental Protection Bucharest (INCDPM), 294, Splaiul Independentei Street, 6th District, 060031 Bucharest, Romania

^* Corresponding author: nurliza@unimap.edu.my

Abstract

This study explores the development of eco-friendly particleboard composite by integrating fly ash (FA) as a partial substitute for wood particles, aiming to promote resources conservation and sustainability. The physical and mechanical properties of fly ash particleboard (FAPB) were systematically examined. Both FA and wood particles used in this research were sieved through a 2 mm sieve. FAPB samples were produced with FA content at 30%, 40% and 50% as replacement for wood particles. The particleboards were produced in the dimension of 300 mm x 300 mm x 15 mm (thickness). These samples underwent a series of test including density, color, scratch resistance, water absorption, compression and flexural tests. Results revealed that increasing FA content led to a rise in the density of the FAPB. The color tests indicated a darker hue with higher FA content, while scratch resistance and surface durability improved correspondingly. Water absorption tests showed a reduction in water uptake with increased FA replacement. The compression test result demonstrated that the FAPB with 40% FA replacement exhibited the highest compressive strength of 3.49 MPa. However, flexural strength decreased as the FA content increased. This research concludes that, incorporating 40% FA into particleboard creates a sustainable, eco-friendly material and promoting waste reduction.