Raw natural rubber latex-based bio-adhesive for the production of particleboard: formulation and optimization of process parameters

Abstract

In this study, bio-adhesives from natural rubber latex (NRL) were combined with starch and formic acid to fabricate jute stick-based particleboards (JSPs). Different blends of NRL, starch, and formic acid, i.e., 6 : 1 : 1, 2 : 1 : 1, and 2 : 3 : 3, were used to produce particleboards using a pressing temperature of 180 C and applied pressure of 5 MPa using a 5 min pressing time. The particleboards were tested for physical, mechanical, and thermal properties according to ANSI standards. Based on initial screening, the best formula (NRL/starch/formic acid of 2 : 3 : 3) was used to optimize the temperature and pressing time for the highest board performance. The highest density, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of rupture were 830 g cm À3 , 10.51, 2380, and 20.05 N mm À2 , respectively. Thermo-gravimetric analysis indicated that thermal decomposition of samples primarily occurred in a temperature range of 265 to 399 C, indicating good thermal performance. The measured physical and mechanical properties of the produced JSPs fulfilled the production standards. However, fulfilling the water absorption and thickness swelling criteria was a challenge. The results indicate that NRL is a promising alternative binder when blended with starch and formic acid.