PRODUCTION OF COMPOSITE PARTICLEBOARD FROM WASTE PLUM PITS (PRUNUS DOMESTICA) AND IMPROVEMENT OF ITS CHARACTERISTICS

This paper deals with investigating the feasibility of using waste plum pits in the production of composite particleboard materials and the improvement of their mechanical and physical properties. Biodegradability, flammability and water absorption are the primary disadvantages of wood-based composites, which reduce their service life. In this experimental study, waste colemanite was used to decrease the known flammability of wood composites. Phenol formaldehyde (PF) was used to increase the water resistance and prevent biodegradability of the prepared materials, and hemp fiber was added to increase their mechanical strength. Thus, the objective was to avoid the disadvantages of wood-based materials. Based on the results of the flexural strength test, the optimum polymer composite material production parameters were determined to be as follows: 0.50 filler/binder ratio, 56 kg/cm2 moulding pressure and 0.75 hemp fiber ratio. According to the results of the experiments, the use of waste colemanite in the production of composite materials improves their non-flammability, while decreasing flexural and screw withdrawal strengths. It was determined that waste plum pits could be used to substitute for wood chips, as an alternative filler material in the production of composite materials. As a result, eco-friendly polymer composite materials were produced from waste plum pits, hemp fiber, and waste colemanite. The obtained composite materials are compliant with applicable standards and are suitable for application as building materials for use in both interior and exterior space.