This document summarizes research into using kenaf as a raw material for particleboard. Samples of particleboards were made with kenaf at densities of 500, 600, and 700 kg/m3 and resin contents of 8% and 10%. Testing found that boards with a density of 700 kg/m3 performed strongest, while there was no significant difference between the 8% and 10% resin boards. The kenaf particleboards absorbed over 100% in thickness swelling tests and performed well in acoustic tests. The research concludes that kenaf particleboard has commercial value in providing a lower-cost and sustainable alternative to wood-based particleboards.

1. Commercializing Kenaf Core
Particleboard Properties
By
Nur ‘Izzati binti Ismail

2. Introduction
This research focus on commercializing Kenaf
(Hibiscus cannabinus L.) as a raw material.
Properties of Kenaf are investigate in a form of
particleboards
These are the properties involved:
~Mechanical & Physical
~Thickness Swelling
~Acoustic properties

3. Background
• A research was done by manufacturing samples of
particleboards with a targeted densities of 500 kgm-3, 600kgm-
3 and 700kgm-3
• Each of the boards have a resin content of 8% and 10%.

4. Problem Statement
• Decrease of wood resources from the forest
• Lack of research on kenaf fiber properties
• Data on kenaf fibers in Malaysia are hardly attainable
• Noise disturbance in urban areas
• Lack of particleboard usage from Kenaf

5. Method
Kenaf Tree Cleaning Deterioration
DryingBlendingMat forming
Compressed
Trimmed and
Sanded

6. Analysis
• 700kgm-3 is the strongest compare to other densities in
modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity and internal
bonding
• No significant differences between 8% and 10% boards.
• Particleboard absorps more than 100%
• Acoustic properties, boards that contain less urea
formaldehye can absord more noise of a sound and
improve the sound better.

7. Recommendations
• More wax needed in each boards
• Handle or go through properly to minimize possible
errors that can happen while conducting the research.
• Learn to manufacture boards made up from non-woody
plants such as Kenaf or other materials
• More research needs to be done on non-woven material in
particleboard and compared with other materials that are
as popular in the industry.

8. Conclusion
• Kenaf particleboard has a high commercial value in
which it can be polished into more capable material in the
future.
• Help many manufacturers to decrease their source
material as Kenaf is a low cost material and can be easily
obtain.
• Can decrease the amount of getting more wood resources
from the forest