Durian fiberboards using different types of synthetic resins as binder

Abstract

This study was intended to produce durian fiberboards using three different synthetic resins: Urea Formaldehyde (U.F.), Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA), and Polyester binders. The physical properties such as shear strength, compressive strength, density, water absorbency rate, and flexural strength in which three samples per parameter were ascertained along with the fiberboard production. The data collected from the five physical property tests of the three different resins were statistically compared to those of the commercial fiberboard (Lawanit) to determine a significant difference between the values obtained. This research aims to determine which resin used would yield the best properties. The results imply that durian fiberboards using Polyester as a binder yield an average density of 421.73 kg/m3 and shear strength of 2,839.62 kPa. On the other hand, Urea Formaldehyde as binder yields an average water absorbency rate of 7.46kg H2O/min, compressive strength of 15,233.07 kPa, and flexural strength of 5,855.65 kPa. Among the three synthetic resins, Urea Formaldehyde has dominated. It is considered to have the potential to compete with commercial fiberboard.