Initial investigation on panel manufacture from Sorghum stalk residue

Abstract

This pilot study was conducted with the aim of carrying out an exploratory investigation into the possibility of using sorghum residue and a new adhesive technology to manufacture a fibre panel. Its purpose was to not only to initiate a protocol for manufacture but to also determine the properties of the panel, establishing any advantageous aspects and highlighting any shortcomings and deficiencies when assessed against current Australian standard specifications. It is our intention that this exploratory study will form the groundwork to allow us to determine which areas need further research to be able to manufacture a panel that could complement the current products available to the construction and furniture manufacturing industries.
The manufacturing process and resulting panels highlighted the following:
1. Most of the properties of the panel were below standard specifications. This result could be directly attributed to the technical characteristics of the equipment used for the resination process. It is believed that the loss of both resin and fibre during this step resulted in a lower
than expected outcomes for panel density, glue bond quality, MoE and MoR. Addressing this issue will give tighter control of the amount of resin applied with minimal fibre loss and better determination of the mechanical properties of the panel.
2. Fibre pre-treatment as required when using current formaldehyde based adhesives is not necessary with an eMDI adhesive. This adhesive doesn’t have the major inconvenient to release toxic emission of formaldehyde.
3. The waxy nature of sorghum results in a panel that meets Australian standard requirements for fibre swelling with minimal fibre processing. Currently all wood based fibre panels require the inclusion of a water repellent in the form of wax during the manufacturing process to achieve the percentage fibre swelling properties outlined in the Australian standards.