EVALUATION OF THE USE OF CARDANOL-FURFURALDEHYDE RESIN TO BOND UNRETTED PALM FROND FIBER FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PARTICLE BOARDS

Abstract

This study investigated the production of particle bonds from palm frond fiber using cardanol-furfuraldehyde as 
a bonding agent. The raw material for cardanol-furfuraldehyde resin of resole type was obtained from technical 
cashew nut shell liquid, while the furfural was obtained from chemical vendors. The pH, acid value, moisture 
content, and relative density of the technical cashew nut shell liquid were determined before cardanol 
extraction. The extracted cardanol was reacted with furfural using an acid as a catalyst to form furfuraldehyde 
resin. The resin was used to prepare a composite with unretted palm frond fiber after the solubility in various 
solvents had been examined. Finally, the water floatation test of the composite was analyzed. This study showed 
that particle board and floating platforms can be obtained from cardanol resin and palm frond fiber.