Research Title: Durian Fiberboards Using Different Types of Synthetic Resins as
Binder
Proponents: Jocelyn G. Corpuz
Grazel Mae E. Diola
Krezza Iries M. Rodriguez
A. Description of the Study
1. Rationale
A highly increasing demand of wood composite products such as
particleboards for housing construction and furniture manufacturing has been in
concern because of a resulting effect on the deforestation which could lead to a
shortage of wood resources in the future. Hence, finding new resources as substitutes
to wood resources is necessary with the motivation to solve the problems of wood
shortage, increasing consumption of wood and decreasing supplies of wood-based
materials. Therefore biomass, such as plants, branch wood, and agricultural residues
has been highly promoted as an alternative resource to substitute wood-based
materials (plywood, MDF and particleboard).
Davao City is commonly dubbed as the “Durian Capital of the Philippines”
because of its reputation as the major durian producing city of the country. According
to Jacinto Adlaon Jr., the Durian Industry Council of Davao City’s public information
officer, the city produces around 6000 metric (mt) of durian a year or 2000 mt durian
per hectare (ha). He said a total of 3000 ha here are planted with durian.
The Durian fruit is widely recognized for its distinct smell but delectable taste.
Not only those, it is also known for its unique hard shell or rinds with spiky features.
During the durian season, durian rinds accumulate in high piles as vendors usually
remove the rinds for buyers’ convenience. These rinds are considered as good
additives for organic fertilizers and firewoods. However, they are not easily disposed
off.
Numerous studies have already been conducted on the feasibility of durian
rinds as fiberboards. This study focuses on the use of three different synthetic resins
namely Urea formaldehyde (UF), Phenol formaldehyde (PF), and Polyvinyl acetate
(PVA) as binders and which resin used would yield the best properties.
2. Objectives of the Study
2.1. General Objectives
2.1.1. Produce durian fiberboards using 3 different types of resins as
binder.
2.1.2. Determine which resin used would yield the best properties.
2.2. Specific Objectives
2.2.1. Use the same mixing ratio of durian rind to synthetic resin for all
of the samples to be produced.
2.2.2. Test the physical properties of the fiberboards such as:
2.2.2.1. tensile strength
2.2.2.2. compressive strength
2.2.2.3. hardness
2.2.2.4. water absorbency
2.2.2.5. thermal conductivity
2.2.3. Utilize the proper testing equipment or methods for the samples.
2.2.4. Use the proper statistical method in interpreting the data that will
be collected.
3. Methodology
Durian rinds or peels will be collected from local durian vendors. The
procedure in the production of durian fiberboard is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Research procedure and experiment
The rinds will be boiled by a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. Fibers will
be spun and dispersed. Heat will be applied to remove moisture. The dry fibers will
then be mixed with the synthetic resin with a ratio of fibers to resin of 4:1. The
mixture will be placed in a mould and will be subjected to a hot hydraulic press. Five
samples per property per resin will be produced for a total of 75 samples (5x5x3). The
samples will undergo testing to determine its properties.
4. Scope of the Study
This study will focus on the difference in the properties of fiberboards made
from different types of synthetic resins which exclude common binder used such as
cement and starch. However, this study will not include testing the properties of the
said products with mixtures of resins as binders. This study will only utilize five
samples per property to be tested per resin and nothing more or less. Each sample
must have the same volume.
5. Research Duration
This study will be conducted for the whole ChE 501 period, specifically from
November 2018 to March 2019.
6. Approximate Budget to Complete the Study
Based on the initial canvass done by the researchers, this study would cost
according to the following:
Durian Peels/Rinds - Php 1500
Synthetic Resins - Php 5000
Laboratory and Testing Fees - Php 5000
Other expenses - Php 3000
Total - Php 14500
