Research Title: Durian Fiberboards Using Different Types of Synthetic Resins as

Binder

Proponents: Jocelyn G. Corpuz

Grazel Mae E. Diola
Krezza Iries M. Rodriguez

A. Description of the Study

1. Rationale

A highly increasing demand of wood composite products such as

particleboards for housing construction and furniture manufacturing has been in

concern because of a resulting effect on the deforestation which could lead to a

shortage of wood resources in the future. Hence, finding new resources as substitutes

to wood resources is necessary with the motivation to solve the problems of wood

shortage, increasing consumption of wood and decreasing supplies of wood-based

materials. Therefore biomass, such as plants, branch wood, and agricultural residues

has been highly promoted as an alternative resource to substitute wood-based

materials (plywood, MDF and particleboard).

Davao City is commonly dubbed as the “Durian Capital of the Philippines”

because of its reputation as the major durian producing city of the country. According

to Jacinto Adlaon Jr., the Durian Industry Council of Davao City’s public information

officer, the city produces around 6000 metric (mt) of durian a year or 2000 mt durian

per hectare (ha). He said a total of 3000 ha here are planted with durian.

The Durian fruit is widely recognized for its distinct smell but delectable taste.

Not only those, it is also known for its unique hard shell or rinds with spiky features.

During the durian season, durian rinds accumulate in high piles as vendors usually

remove the rinds for buyers’ convenience. These rinds are considered as good
additives for organic fertilizers and firewoods. However, they are not easily disposed

off.

Numerous studies have already been conducted on the feasibility of durian

rinds as fiberboards. This study focuses on the use of three different synthetic resins

namely Urea formaldehyde (UF), Phenol formaldehyde (PF), and Polyvinyl acetate

(PVA) as binders and which resin used would yield the best properties.

2. Objectives of the Study

2.1. General Objectives

2.1.1. Produce durian fiberboards using 3 different types of resins as

binder.

2.1.2. Determine which resin used would yield the best properties.

2.2. Specific Objectives

2.2.1. Use the same mixing ratio of durian rind to synthetic resin for all

of the samples to be produced.

2.2.2. Test the physical properties of the fiberboards such as:

2.2.2.1. tensile strength

2.2.2.2. compressive strength

2.2.2.3. hardness

2.2.2.4. water absorbency

2.2.2.5. thermal conductivity

2.2.3. Utilize the proper testing equipment or methods for the samples.
 2.2.4. Use the proper statistical method in interpreting the data that will

be collected.

3. Methodology

Durian rinds or peels will be collected from local durian vendors. The

procedure in the production of durian fiberboard is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Research procedure and experiment

The rinds will be boiled by a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. Fibers will

be spun and dispersed. Heat will be applied to remove moisture. The dry fibers will

then be mixed with the synthetic resin with a ratio of fibers to resin of 4:1. The
mixture will be placed in a mould and will be subjected to a hot hydraulic press. Five

samples per property per resin will be produced for a total of 75 samples (5x5x3). The

samples will undergo testing to determine its properties.

4. Scope of the Study

This study will focus on the difference in the properties of fiberboards made

from different types of synthetic resins which exclude common binder used such as

cement and starch. However, this study will not include testing the properties of the

said products with mixtures of resins as binders. This study will only utilize five

samples per property to be tested per resin and nothing more or less. Each sample

must have the same volume.

5. Research Duration

This study will be conducted for the whole ChE 501 period, specifically from

November 2018 to March 2019.

6. Approximate Budget to Complete the Study

Based on the initial canvass done by the researchers, this study would cost

according to the following:

Durian Peels/Rinds - Php 1500

Synthetic Resins - Php 5000

Laboratory and Testing Fees - Php 5000

Other expenses - Php 3000

Total - Php 14500