TY  - JOUR
T1  - Sustainable Particleboards from Invasive Cogon Grass using Epoxy Resin: A Greener Alternative to Wood-Based Panels
AU  - Lubis, Mirna
AU  - Fathanah, Umi
AU  - Atina, Nayla
AU  - Aina, Zahratul
PY  - 2025
DA  - September
Y2  - 2025
DO  - 10.35378/gujs.1517336
JF  - Gazi University Journal of Science
PB  - Gazi University
WT  - DergiPark
SN  - 2147-1762
SP  - 1143
EP  - 1157
VL  - 38
IS  - 3
LA  - en
AB  - This study explores cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica), an invasive species, as a sustainable raw material for particleboard production. Epoxy resin was used as a binder, with methanol added to enhance processing and mechanical performance. The effects of particle size (<60 mesh and >60 mesh), five methanol concentrations (1.5%–3.5%), and binder-to-particle ratios (1.4:1 to 2.2:1) were evaluated. Boards were pressed at 25°C for 15 minutes. Physical and mechanical properties were analyzed, including density, moisture content, thickness swelling, tensile strength, yield strength, and modulus of elasticity derived from tensile testing. Results showed densities ranging from 0.568 to 0.942 g/cm3, moisture content below 6.6%, and zero thickness swelling after 24-hour immersion. The best mechanical results reached 11.96 MPa for tensile strength and 125.82 MPa for yield strength, with a maximum modulus of elasticity of 190.09 MPa. While MOE values were derived from tensile testing and not flexural analysis as required by SNI 03-2105-2006, results indicate cogon grass particleboards are promising for indoor use.
KW  - Adhesive/particle ratio
KW  - Alang-alang
KW  - Cogon Grass
KW  - Epoxy Resin
KW  - Particleboard
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UR  - https://doi.org/10.35378/gujs.1517336
L1  - https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/4075617
ER  -