Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarium L.) bagasse binderless particleboard: Effect of hot pressing time study

Binderless particleboard panel made from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) bagasse was manufactured by using waste product of sugarcane. The target density, pressing temperature, pressing time and pressing pressure used were 0.8 g/cm3, 180 °C, 10–40 min and 12 Mpa respectively. Modulus of rupture, internal bonding strength, thickness swelling and water absorption of the boards were evaluated based on Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS A 5908: Particleboards). From this research, the 30 min pressing time panel had the highest modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) values which were 15.16 Mpa and 1710 MPa respectively. Panels made from sugarcane bagasse with hot pressing time of 20, 30 and 40 min met the mechanical properties requirement stated in Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS). Nevertheless, the sastifactory results were obtained for water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS) test ranged from 8% to 25%. Therefore, the binderless particleboard made from sugarcane bagasse waste were successfully manufactured and can be alternative and consideration for building material especially for indoor application.