Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Abstract:
In this study, agro-waste materials, specifically coconut husk fibers and palm kernel shells, were utilized as fillers alongside low-density polyethylene to produce particle boards. The research employed Taguchi design to evaluate the effects of various process parameters on the performance of the particle boards. The findings highlight that the developed boards possess robust properties, with hardness values ranging from 45.31 HB to 58.0 HB, impact energy from 0.980 J to 1.401 J, and acceptable rates of water absorption and thickness swelling, confirming their suitability for applications requiring durability and moisture resistance. Optimal mechanical properties are achieved at a moulding pressure of 10 MPa, a moulding temperature of 70 �C, and a curing time of 10 minutes, while optimal physical properties for water absorption and thickness swelling are attained at a moulding pressure of 8 MPa, a moulding temperature of 70 �C, and a curing time of 8 minutes. Furthermore, the analysis of variance indicates that curing time is the most significant factor affecting performance characteristics, contributing 42.5% for hardness, 39.3% for impact energy, and 44.91% for thickness swelling; moulding temperature primarily influences water absorption with a contribution of 40.9%. These results suggest that optimizing these parameters can enhance both mechanical and physical properties of the boards for various applications.

Keywords: Coconut Husk Fibers; Palm Kernel Shells; Low Density Polyethylene; Physical Properties

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