Characterization of medium-density hybrid fiberboards using saw-dust and coco peat with UF resin

The main objective of the extant study was to efficiently utilize agricultural waste and generate valuable products. Using residual coco peat fibers (CPF) extracted from coconut fruit (CF) and saw-dust (SD), fiberboard panels were produced. With the help of a compression molding machine, nine hybrid boards were made using different mixtures of materials and Urea Formaldehyde (UF) as the glue. Models were manufactured by altering the weight percentages of saw-dust (SD) and coco peat fibers (CPF) while keeping the weight percentage of resin constant. The density (D), thermal conductivity (TC) moisture content (MC), and mechanical properties (MP) of the fabricated models were measured and subsequently conveyed The research findings revealed that the composition consisting of 70 weight percentage coco peat fibers, 15 weight percentage sawdust, and 15 weight percentage resin exhibited superior mechanical properties and the lowest thermal conductivity compared to the other combinations that were tested. The relationship between fiberboards’ moisture content and their mechanical strength is inverse. The fiber-matrix interface was examined and studied using morphological analysis. The study’s findings led to the conclusion that waste coco peat fibers and sawdust can be efficiently utilized in the manufacturing process of medium-density fiberboards that are suitable for home applications.