Evaluation of the incorporation of peanut shell particles in the production of particleboard

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.13176626040615

• Palavras-chave: biomass; hydrophobic; wood; agricultural waste.

• Keywords: biomass; hydrophobic; wood; agricultural waste.

• Abstract:

  Low-density particleboard is produced from dried lignocellulosic particles, bonded with synthetic adhesive and hot-pressed, and is widely used in the manufacture of furniture and flooring. The incorporation of agricultural residues into these materials has been studied as an alternative to conventional wood, with the aim of reducing costs and promoting the use of agroindustrial byproducts. In this study, we evaluated the performance of low-density particleboard produced with different levels of substitution of Pinus oocarpa wood with peanut shell particles (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%). The materials were collected, ground, sieved, and characterized for their extractives, lignin, ash, and holocellulose contents, as well as their bulk density. The panels were manufactured with a nominal density of 0.6 g/cm³, using urea-formaldehyde adhesive, with initial cold pressing, hot pressing, and subsequent conditioning of the samples. To evaluate the technical feasibility of the substitution, the panels underwent physical and mechanical testing as well as microstructural analysis. The results indicated that peanut shells have potential as an alternative raw material, reducing water absorption and thickness swelling. However, higher incorporation levels resulted in reduced mechanical properties, associated with the presence of micropores, particle agglomeration, and lower resin adhesion. These results indicate that the partial use of peanut shells can contribute to the development of panels with improved performance.