Optimization of the Mixing Ratio for Particleboard Production from Groundnut Shell and Rice Husk

The aim of this work is to optimize the mixing ratio for production of particleboard (PB) from groundnut shell and rice husk. This research is focused on optimization approach for turning the agricultural waste into quality value-added composite PB for sustainable development. Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the effect of three process variables: groundnut husk (0–100 g); rice husk (0–100 g) and resin (1.5–2.5 g). The best process levels for PB production predicted by the software were validated. The PB samples produced were analysed using scanning electron microscope. The best results were obtained at levels: groundnut husk – 50 g; rice husk –100 g; resin – 3.50 g with rupture modulus of 3.50 N·mm⁻² and elasticity modulus of 932.4 N·mm⁻², the predicted optimal levels of 65.99 g; 86.34 g and 1.69 g were validated. The validation results gave rupture modulus of 3.49 N·mm⁻², and elasticity modulus of 932.10 N·mm⁻². It can be concluded that PB produced at the optimized conditions satisfied the American National Standard ANSI/A208.1-999 specification for general purpose particleboards for sustainable development.