Cement-Bonded Particleboards with Banana Pseudostem Waste: Physical Performance and Bio-Susceptibility

Abstract

This article evaluates the relevant properties of cement-bonded particleboards (CBPB) made with a portion of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) particles replaced with an agricultural waste, banana pseudostem (Musa sp.). The industrial production of CBPB was simulated in the laboratory based on a reference composition defined by a manufacturing company. Test specimens were produced assuming 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% partial replacement of wood particles with banana pseudostem fibres. Some physical properties (bulk density, thermal conductivity, and dimensional stability) and the mould susceptibility of the different variables were assessed. Results show that the thermal conductivity of the boards increased with the banana fibre proportion and ranged between 0.233 W/(m.K) and 0.279 W/(m.K). The bulk density values generally increased with the banana fibre proportion and ranged between 1754–1995 kg/m3, being the highest value obtained for B50 (equal weight proportion of wood particles and banana fibres). Specimens with a higher percentage of banana fibres have reduced thickness resulting from swelling, ranging between 0.38% and 0.11% (for 0% and 75% of banana fibres, respectively). CBPBs with unsanded surfaces seem to be unsusceptible to mould development, whereas those with sanded surfaces, simulating wearing, show some bio-susceptibility. Mould development increases with the proportion of banana fibre. The results highlight the need for regular maintenance of the particleboards, thus avoiding surface wear over time and resulting in the exposure of the wood particles and/or banana fibres to the outside environment.

Bio-Wastes as Aggregates for Eco-Efficient Boards and Panels: Screening Tests of Physical Properties and Bio-Susceptibility

“…Infrastructures 2022, 7, x. https://doi.org/10.3390/xxxxx www.mdpi.com/journal/infrastru that, in earth-straw composites, the shorter are the pieces of straw, the higher compressive strength. Future studies could deepen the influence of grain size o properties of boards since it can affect physical and mechanical properties [17,18 influence of sieving time on the results of the grain size analysis of bio-aggregates be further investigated, too. The test could be carried out considering several si times, evaluating the differences in the results and defining which guarantees the sm deviation in the grains size distribution, as Martínez-García et al [57] reported.…”

“…This guarantees a more sustainable practice since the bio-wastes can be used directly as they are as by-products. The shredding may be necessary in case of compressed panels' production for which a finer grain size might be more adequate [17].…”

“…Laborel-Préneron et al [32] demonstrated that, in earth-straw composites, the shorter are the pieces of straw, the higher is the compressive strength. Future studies could deepen the influence of grain size on the properties of boards since it can affect physical and mechanical properties [17,18]. The influence of sieving time on the results of the grain size analysis of bio-aggregates could be further investigated, too.…”

“…The resulting composites also showed good potential as insulating boards with thermal conductivity values of about 0.052 W/(m•K). Nunes et al [17] produced cement-bonded particleboards replacing maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) chips with banana tree (Musa sp.)…”