THE USE OF COCONUT HUSK IN HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATE PRODUCTION

This research investigated the possibilities of applying coconut husk in fibreboard production. The objective was to reduce the amount of phenol formaldehyde (PF)-resin in highly water resistant fibreboards such as high pressure laminates (HPL). The milling process of coconut husk was analysed, tested and verified. Recommendations were worked out for the storage, transportation and preparation of coconut husks. The main steps such as preparation of raw material including resination, forming and pressing of boards, and their effects on the performance of boards were analysed. HPL boards were manufactured in the laboratory and tested following the European Norms (EN 438). Different particle sizes of coconut husk and blending ratios to wood fibre were chosen. The 100% based coconut husk HPL boards (without PF resin) showed impressive water resistance performance after the 2 hour boiling test. A ratio of PF resinated spruce fibre of 50% and the rest coconut husk showed high mechanical and physical properties.