Browsing by Author "Liyanage, S.M."

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    Developing Composite Boards Using Rice Husks and Coir Pith
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Madumal, M. N.N.B.; Weerawansha, A.N.R.; Herath, H.M.S.K.; Liyanage, S.M.
    Accumulation of unmanaged wastes, especially in developing countries such as Sri Lanka, has resulted a great concern on environment. At present, with industrial growth and technology development, waste generation is increasing from different industrial sources. Disposal of this waste has been amajor problem. Hence, an acceptable solution for this issues is essential (Bach, 1999). Therefore, this study was designed to utilize the generated waste from rice and coconut fiber industries, in large amounts. The objective of this research was to develop composite boards, using coir pith and rice husk, which aim to meet the same mechanical properties of medium density fiber board as the standard check. Through this research the mechanical properties of newly developed boards were measured and statistically compared with the standard properties of medium density fiber board. Methodology Rice husks, coir pith and phenol formaldehyde resin (binder) used to produce composite boards. Coir pith required for this research was collected from coir mounts of coconut fiber factory, Nattandiya, Coconut Development Authority. Rice husk was collected from a small scale rice mill located in Rambukkana. Fresh mounts were collected all the time as raw materials to preserve the original quality. At the collection time, surface layer of the mount was scrapped out.