Production and Evaluation of Particleboard using Sugarcane Bagasse in the case of Woniji-Shewa Sugar Factory

Particleboard is a wood-based panel product manufactured under pressure and temperature from the particles of wood or other any lignocellulosic fibrous materials and a binder. Particleboard manufacturing is ecologically sound, as the waste material will transform into useful products, thereby conserving natural resources. The objectives of this study was production and evaluation of particleboard using sugarcane bagasse in the case of Woniji-Shewa Sugar Factory. The ratio of the surface and the core layer of bagasse particles were 1:2:1 ratio. A three levels of press time 5, 7 and 12min. and resin ratio 7, 12 and 15%. Besides, plate temperature were selected 140, 150 and 160 0 C. Making of particleboard were investigated by a full factorial design (FFD) that was a Design Expert 7.0.0 software and determined an optimal value of the bending strength (MOR) of particleboard. For analyzing, physiochemical properties and result obtained from experiments; 0.68g/cm 3 , density, 48.1%, moisture content, 2.37%, ash content, 61%, volatile mater content, 36.63%, fixed carbon, 8.06KJ/kg, calorific value, 1.12%, pol, 2.86%, brix, 44.17%, fiber content, 27.16%, hemicellulose, 21.5%, lignin, 39.33%, cellulose. A maximum bending strength of particleboard was 27.4N/mm 2 obtained at a resin ratio, 14.63%, pressing time, 8.45min. and plate temperature 153.73 o C. Based on the finding, manufacturing of particleboard using sugarcane bagasse were achievable and environmentally friendly.