Marticio, Lyza L.

Miranda, Jon Marl L.

Naling, Mabie Cyrill R.
Salido, Trena Jean G.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Wood and cement are mostly used in construction industry. The demand for these
materials is increasing, while the supply is decreasing. Aside from the decreasing supply,
health and environmental concerns with the production of cement and wood-based
materials escalate. Cement is a massive carbon dioxide emitter. Aside from this, humans
exposed to cement experiences health problems related to skin and lungs. When it comes
to wood-based materials, the number of trees are decreasing due to the demand of wood
for construction material such as plywood.
The purpose of this study is to develop a bio-composite material that will lessen the
use of cement and wood wherein engineers, architects, contractors and the construction
industry will have an alternative material for wall partition. This study will focus on the
development of medium density fiberboard made of Saccharum Spontaneum (talahib) as
a natural fiber and gypsum powder as the binding agent.
The development of the study was based from other bio-composite materials. The
researchers gather data and information from previous studies related to medium density
fiberboard made of natural fibers. It was tested based on its mechanical and physical
properties.
INTRODUCTION

With the constant increase of population int the developing countries, the need for
cheap and affordable housing materials also increases. Wood and cement are mostly
used in construction industry. The demand for cement-based materials and bio-
composites are rising, while the availability of the supply is decreasing. However, there
are environmental concerns with the production of cement and wood-based materials.
Cement industry is one of the producers of carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas. On
the other hand, the excessive cutting of trees to produce wood can cause deforestation
and global warming. Much effort should be put into finding alternatives that can replace or
reduce the quantity of materials such as wood and cement used for walling and concrete
works. One of the housing materials the can be an alternative is a bio-composite which is
fiberboard.
The researchers want to improve building materials using natural products such as
Saccharum Spontaneum (talahib) fibers and gypsum powder. The aim of this research is
to develop a medium density fiberboard out of Saccharum Spontaneum (talahib) fibers
and to know its physical and mechanical properties for wall partition.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Composite forest products, or engineered wood, refer to materials made of wood

that are glued together. Fiberboard, increasingly popular for furniture manufacturer today
is not wood. It is manufactured by gluing together resins and fibers of harwood, doftwood
or other organic materials.
There are three types of fiberboard: particle board, medium density fiberboard
(MDF) and high density fiberboard (HDF). Out of three types of fiberboard, the
researchers focuses on the medium density fiberboard.
Studies form different countries also focuses on the development of medium
density fiberboard, the difference is the material used. Medium density fiberboard can be
made from recycled paper, wood scraps, sawmill off-cuts, carbon fibers and bamboo
shreds, making it environment friendly board.
 The purpose of this study is to develop medium density fiberboard using
Saccharum Spontaneum (talahib) fibers and test its physical and mechanical properties
with the use of gypsum powder as a binding agent.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This research study aims to use Saccharum Spontaneum (talahib) fibers as
medium density fiberboard that focuses on physical and mechanical properties.
Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:
1. What are the advantages of Saccharum Spontaneum (talahib )fiberboard
compared to plywood an gypsum board?
2. Does applying gypsum powder as adhesive affects mechanical properties (flexural,
compressive, water absorption and moisture content) of the product?
3. What are the materials and standard methods to be conducted during the study?

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Materials used:  Data gathering in

making medium
 Saccharum density fiberboard Development of
Spontaneum fibers  Gathering of Medium Density
 Gypsum powder materials then Fiberboard using
 Water making medium Saccharum
 Fiberboard molders density fiberboard Spontaneum: An
using Saccharum Alternative Material
Spontaneum for Wall Partition
(talahib) fibers ang
gypsum powder
using molders
 Drying and curing
 Experimentation of
physical and
mechanical
properties

Figure 1. Research Paradigm

 Figure 1 shows the research concept summary of the researcher’s study. The
input covered all the materials needed in making medium density fiberboard. It includes
Saccharum Spontaneum (talahib) fibers which is the main component in making the
medium density fiberboard possible. Gypsum powder as the binding agent to make the
fibers stick together and to form fiberboard with the use of water. Fiberboard molders are
designed based on the test that the researchers are going to use.
Data gathering in making medium density fiberboard is essential in this study since
it is the foundation. The gathered data can now be use in the process of making
fiberboard using the input. After making the fiberboard, it is now ready for drying and
curing. Finally, the product can be tested to determine its physical and mechanical
properties.
With the input and process of making the study, the researchers can now develop
a medium density fiberboard using Saccharum Spontaneum as an alternative material for
wall partition.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The general objective of this study is to introduce Saccharum Spontaneum (talahib)
as raw material in making medium-density fiberboard for wall partition and to determine its
physical and mechanical properties.
The specific objective of the study is:
1. To know the advantages of Saccharum Spontaneum (talahib) fiberboard
compared to plywood and gypsum board.
2. To determine of applying gypsum powder as an adhesive affects mechanical
properties (flexural, compressive, water absorption, moisture content) of the product?
3. To find out the materials and method to be conducted during the study.
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
The study focuses on the development of medium density fiberboard made from
Saccharum Spontaneum (talahib) for wall partition and to analyze its physical and
mechanical properties.
The scope of the study is the usage of Saccharum Spontaneum (talahib) fibers as
raw material and gypsum powder as an adhesive in making medium-density fiberboard
for wall partition that is applicable for interior of low-cost housing. It also determines the
physical and mechanical properties of the resulting fiberboard. Physical properties such
as appearance, texture, color and odor. Mechanical properties such as flexural strength,
compressive strength, fire resistance and water absorption.

METHODOLOGY

Methods of Research
Experimental method will be used in the study. Experimental research.
Experimental research is a scientific approach to research, where one or more
independent variables are manipulated and applied to one or more dependent variables
to measure the effect of it. The resulting variable is what we call experimental data.
Experimental data are collected through active intervention by the researcher to produce
and measure change or to create difference when a variable is altered. Experimental data
typically allows the researcher to determine a relationship.
Experimental research method is widely used in physical and social sciences,
psychology and education. It is based on the comparison between two or more groups
with a straightforward logic, which may, however, be difficult to execute. Experimental
method is the best research method to be applied in this study, since physical and
mechanical properties are going to be tested.
Data Gathering

The researchers gather information from reliable sources like books, journals,
research studies and internet articles. Data gathering will focus on the stages of making
medium density fiberboard. It also includes the ratio of the materials that are going to use,
the machines used, process in making fiberboard, and the testing techniques to
determine its physical and mechanical properties.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Mechanical Properties
1. Compressive Strength
Compressive strength test is one of the most important properties. It is the bulk unit
charge against the breakage under axial compressive strength. Compressive strength test
was conducted using Universal Testing Machine (UTM).
The prepared design proportion of specimen was molded into size of 150mm x
150mm x 15 mm. Based on the result, the researchers tested 6 specimens that resulted
to 5.13 MPa, 4.97 MPa, 4.97 MPa, 4.90 MPa, 4.93 MPa, and 4.83 MPa. The average
compressive strength of the fiberboard made of talahib (Saccharum Spontaneum) fibers
is 4.96 MPa compared to plywood and gypsum board that has compressive strength of
3.8 MPa to 5.6 MPA and 2.75 MPA, respectively.
The specimen that was subjected to compressive strength test was compacted
until it reach its maximum strength. There were no cracks found at the surface of every
specimen. The only noticeable effect of the test was the change in thickness of the
specimen.
 Table 3.14.1 Compressive Strength Test

Figure 2. Compressive Strength Test

Test Age Sample 50% Talahib

(Saccharum Plywood Gypsum
Spontaneum) (MPa) board (MPa)
Fiber (MPa)
1 5.13
2 4.97
28 days
3 4.97
4 4.90 3.8 to 5.6 2.75

5 4.93
6 4.83
Average 4.96

Table 1. Compressive Strength Test

According to the Wood Handbook: Mechanical Properties of Wood-Based

Composite Materials of Zhiyong Cia and Robert J. Ross, the compressive strength test of
plywood ranges from 3.8 MPa to 5.6 MPA.
According to the Gypsum Board Typical Mechanical and Physical Properties of
Gypsum Association (USA, 2019), samples were made from 2” x 2” (50 x 50 mm) or 4” x
4” (100 x 100 mm) samples cut from across the full board width. Sample were conditioned
for a minimum of 24 hours and testes in compressive strength machine and arrived at the
result of 2.75 MPA compressive strength at the thickness of 5/8 inch (15.9mm).
The medium density fiberboard made from talahib (saccharum spontaneum) has a
greater value compared to commercial gypsum board. On the other hand, the product is
comparable to the compressive strength of plywood.

Figure 3. Compressive Strength Test

2. Flexural Strength
Flexural strength is also known as modulus of rupture or axial bending strength. It
represents the highest stress experienced within the material and its moment of yield.
The prepared design proportion of specimen was molded into size of 400mm x 300mm x
15 mm. Based on the result, the researchers tested 3 specimens that resulted to 1.48
MPa, 1.51 MPa, and 1.51 MPa. The average flexural strength of the fiberboard made of
talahib (Saccharum Spontaneum) fibers is 1.50 MPa compared to plywood and gypsum
board that has flexural strength of 4.6 MPa and 1.5 MPA, respectively.
The specimen that was subjected to flexural strength test cracked but did not tear
apart due to the talahib (Saccahrum Spontaneum) fibers.
 Figure 4. Flexural Strength Test

Test Age Sample 50% Talahib

(Saccharum Plywood (MPa) Gypsum board
Spontaneum) (MPa)
Fiber (MPa)

1 1.48

28 days 2 1.51 4.6 1.5

3 1.51

Average 1.50

Table 2. Flexural Strength Test

According to the Gypsum Board Typical Mechanical and Physical Properties of

Gypsum Association (USA, 2019), the flexural strength of 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) thick
gypsum board is 1.5 MPA.
Based from the table, the resulting medium density fiberboard made from talahib
(saccharum spontaneum) fibers has an average flexural strength of 1.50 MPa that is
equal to gypsum board. On the other hand, plywood performed better and can resist
failure by 4.6 MPa.
Even though the boards are not load bearing conditions, this result offers insight
into the possibility of increasing the tensile strength of the boards if the area of application
requires it.

Figure 3.14.2.1 Flexural Strength Test

Figure 5. Flexural Strength Test

3. Moisture Content

Moisture Content is the amount of moisture present in the given sample. After
drying the boards for 28 days, the researchers weighed the specimen to determine its
initial weight (W1). The boards were then placed in a hot air oven for 2 hours where the
temperature was raised to 200ºC. After 2 hours, the boards were weighed again to
determine the oven dry weight (W2). The amount of moisture content in percentage was
calculated using the formula: (W1 – W2)/ W2 x 100%.
The prepared design proportion of specimen was molded into size of 150mm x
150mm x 15 mm. Based on the result, the researchers tested 6 specimens that resulted
to 15.55%, 15.33%, 14.98%, 15.59%, and 15.13%. The average moisture content of the
fiberboard made of Saccharum Spontaneum (talahib)fibers is 15.28% compared to
plywood and gypsum board that has moisture content of 5% to 15% and 16%,
respectively.

Test Age Sample Weight 1 Weight 2 Percentage Plywood Gypsum

(%) (%) board (%)
1 0.3486 0.3017 15.55
2 0.3511 0.3049 15.15
28 days
3 0.3498 0.3033 15.33
4 0.3523 0.3064 14.98 5% to 15% 16%

5 0.3455 0.2989 15.59

6 0.3501 0.3041 15.13
Average 0.34957 0.30322 15.28

Table 3. Moisture Content

Gypsum board contains approximately 21% water by weight and thus as

calcination occurs the mass of the board is reduced. The researchers found out that there
were 16% in mass at 200ºC. This observation is consistent with complete calcination and
loss of all moisture.
As per the Indian standards specification IS:303 (governed by BIS) the ideal
content of moisture in plywood should be in the range of 5% to 15%.
Based on the table, the resulting medium density fiberboard made form Saccharum
Spontanem (talahib) fibers has a moisture content of 15.28% and comparable to plywood.
On the other hand, gypsum board has 16% greater than the resulting product and
plywood.
 Figure 6. Moisture Content

4. WATER ABSORPTION
Water absorption is used to determine the amount of water absorbed under
specified conditions.
The prepared design proportion of specimen was molded into size of 250mm x
350mm x 15 mm. Based on the result, the researchers tested 4 specimens that resulted
to 39.25%, 38.9%, 4.55%, and 38.8%. The average water absorption of the fiberboard
made of talahib (Saccharum Spontaneum) fibers is 39.375 % compared to plywood and
gypsum board that has water absorption of 45.7% to 57.5% and 10%, respectively.
Test Age Sample Weight 1 Weight 2 Percentage Plywood Gypsum
(%) (%) board (%)

1 0.845 1.63 39.25

2 0.842 1.62 38.9

28 days 45.7% to 10%
57.5%
3 0.839 1.65 40.55

4 0.844 1.62 38.8

Average 0.8425 1.63 39.375

Table 4. Water Absorption

According to the Investigation on the water absorption characteristics of plywood

manufactured using veneers from oil palm stem by Hasmawi Khalid, Zakiah Ahmad, et al
(Malaysia, 2015), the plywood was cut into size 50mm x 50mm for water absorption.
Water absorption values ranged from 45.7% to 57.5%.

Figure 7. Water Absorption

 According to the Gypsum Board Typical Mechanical and Physical Properties of
Gypsum Association (USA, 2019), ASTM C473 Standard Test Method for Physical
Testing of Gypsm Panel Products – following 2 hours immersion, the water absorption
result was 10%.

Physical Properties

Physical Properties can be observed or measure without changing the composition

of matter. Physical properties are used to observe and describe matter. The researchers
include physical properties such as appearance, texture, color and odor.
There was no specific test on how to classify the physical properties of the
fiberboard. The researchers used their senses to have results. For the appearance, the
medium density fiberboard has similarities with other bio-composite materials like plywood
and particle board, the only difference is its color.
Texture is the perceived surface quality of a work. The texture of the medium
density fiberboard made from Saccharum Spontaneum (talahib) fibers was smooth. The
resulting color of the product is white because of the dominating material which is the
gypsum powder. The resulting medium density fiberboard has no odor.

CONCLUSION

This study was conducted to develop a medium density fiberboard made of

Saccharum Spontaneum (talahib) fibers for wall partition and to determine its physical and
mechanical properties. Using Universal Testing Machine (UTM), the researchers were
able to determine the compressive (with size of 150mm x 150mm x 15 mm) and flexural
strength (with size of 400mm x 300mm x 15 mm) of the specimen. With the moisture
content test, hot air oven was used with a size of 150mm x 150mm x 15 mm. Water
absorption test was conducted with the used of hydraulic curing tank with size of 250mmx
350mm x 20 mm.
Based on the recorded data, the compressive strength test result was containing
50% Saccharum Spontaneum (talahib) fibers and 50% gypsum powder attains an
average result of 4.96 MPa compressive strength. As for flexural strength test, the
average maximum strength was 1.50 MPa. For moisture content the average result was
15.13% and for the Water Absorption test the average result is 39.375%.
As for its physical properties, there were no test conducted to classify the appearance,
texture, color and odor. For the appearance, the medium density fiberboard has
similarities with other bio-composite materials like plywood and particle board, the only
difference is its color.
Texture is the perceived surface quality of a work. The texture of the medium
density fiberboard made from Saccharum Spontaneum (talahib) fibers was smooth. The
resulting color of the product is white because of the dominating material which is the
gypsum powder. The resulting medium density fiberboard has no odor.
Based from the result, the medium density fiberboard made of talahib (saccharum
spontaneum) fibers exceeds the compressive strength of gypsum board and plywood.
The result for the flexural strength of the product is equal to gypsum board but less than
plywood. Even though the boards are not load bearing conditions, this result offers insight
into the possibility of increasing the tensile strength of the boards if the area of application
requires it. The moisture content of the three products was comparable to each other
because of the resulting values. Water absorption differs from each other, the medium
density fiberboard made of talahib (saccharum spontaneum) fibers has higher value than
the gypsum board but less than plywood. It only implies that the development of medium
density fiberboard made of talahib (saccharum spontaneum) fibers is comparable to other
bio-composite products such as plywood and gypsum board when it comes to mechanical
and physical properties.
The gypsum powder performs an important role in making the medium density
fiberboard made of talahib (saccharum spontaneum) fibers as an adhesive. There was an
existing bio-composite board that uses gypsum powder, which is gypsum board
resultinginto better performance when it comes to mechanical properties. On its physical
properties, the gypsum powder helps the mainstream type of bio-composite when it
comes to appearance, texture, color and odor. Gypsum powder affects the mechanical
and physical properties in a better way.
 The materials used were gypsum powder, talahib (saccharum spontaneum) fibers
and water. The methods used were collecting of fibers, mixing of the materials, pouring,
curing, drying and testing.

RECOMMENDATION

With the shown data results, computation and observations, the researchers prove
and determine the Development of a Medium – Density Fiberboard using Saccharum
Spontaneum: An alternative Material for wall partition and order to enhance or surpass it
for future study, We researchers recommend to execute the following to produce better
results:
1. Use machine or equipment that is applicable in extracting the fibers.
2. In making the samples, make sure to use wooden spatula to have a desired thickness.
3. For future researchers, use other kind of potential fiber for the development of medium
density fiberboard.
4. It is also recommended to use other test like fire resistance test, sound proofing test,
etc.
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