The First Thai-Biomass Utilization Symposium __ _______________________________________________________ Effective Utilization of Forest Biomass for Regional People in Thailand Particleboards from Durian Peel and Coconut Coir Sarocha Charoenvai*, Jongjit Hirunlabh*, and Joseph Khedari* Abstract Manufacturing particleboards from tropical fruit peel particle; durian (Durio zibethinus ) peels and coconut coir ( Cocos nucifera ); with low thermal conductivity is the main purpose of this study. Two main parameters were investigated namely binder types, (UF 12%, PF 6% and IC 3%) and board density. In general, the effect of adhesive type on the properties of boards was not obvious whereas that of the density was more significant on most properties of boards. Experimental investigation indicated that the mechanical properties of all boards increased with increasing board density, but this decrease the dimension stability, expressed by the thickness swelling and the thermal conductivity as well. Keywords: Synthetic Binder; Thermal Conductivity; Modulus of Rupture; Modulus of Elasticity; Agriculture waste ______________________________________________________________ *Building Scientific Research Center, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangmod Rasburana, 91 Pracha U-thit Rd., Thungkru, Bangkok 10140, Thailand Email address:
[email protected] www.kmutt.ac.th/organization/bsrc The First Thai-Biomass Utilization Symposium __ _______________________________________________________ Effective Utilization of Forest Biomass for Regional People in Thailand Introduction Nowadays, due to forest production and environment awareness the use of natural wood is steadily decreasing. Technology is used to manufacture materials from agricultural waste which is considered to substitute natural wood. The productivity of Thai fruit [1] is anticipated to increase in the future and the associated produced waste will lead to social and environmental problems, if we are unable to dispose them.