Developing Composite Boards Using Rice Husks and Coir Pith
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Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
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.
Description
Keywords
Agriculture, Export Agriculture, Rice, Coconut