FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

AMJ40002: FINAL YEAR PROJECT 1

PROGRESS REPORT WRITING

1.STUDENT INFORMATION

Name : THANNUSS KRISNA S/O ARUL JOTHY

Matric No. :201201947
Program : BACHELOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING WITH HONOURS
Project Title: DEVELOPMENT OF ECO-FRIENDLY PARTICLE BOARD COMPOSITE USING RICE
HUSK.

Supervisor : DR.NUR LIZA BINTI RAHIM

2.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW

a.Executive Summary

For about half of the world's population, rice is an essential staple diet. More than 70
nations produce rice, primarily China, Indonesia, and India. The outer layer that protects the
rice grain is called the rice husk, or rice hull. They are agricultural waste, these rice husks.
Research on the productive use of agricultural waste is being closely watched by
environmentalists as environmental consciousness grows. The scientific community has
created synthetic materials called composites. In the modern period, people have begun
searching for items that were once considered waste and finding profitable uses for them.
Taking into account that rice husk is an abundant agricultural waste that satisfies the criteria
and has been extensively utilized to produce bio composite to cover and protect the rice during
the growth season, this rice husk is made up of tough elements like lignin, and has a abrasive
resistance behaviour and silica cellulose structure (Mor V, 2013a).
Rice husk (RH) is a biomass that has both potential energy production and value addition
among the many biomasses that are abundant and renewable energy sources. RH is produced
annually around the world in amounts of 40 and 80 million tons, respectively (Mor V,
2013b).Though rice husks have historically been disposed of in landfills, their hard surface,
high silicon content, modest bulk density, and resistance to bacterial breakdown make them
unique. As a result, it may be a significant source of pollution, eutrophication, and disturbances
to both terrestrial and aquatic life. If it is unable to employ the suitable method to utilize rice
husk, that will release the hazardous materials into the environment. Lately, environmental
consideration and public concern are increasingly becoming more important, striving towards
the quality and environmental preservation through sustainable development and cleaner

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technology approach(Li et al., 2011).Particle boards is a product used primarily in economy
especially in construction and furniture sectors.
It is one of the primary products used in the manufacture of value-added wood products such
as furniture, cabinets, millwork, stair treads, home construction, paneling, shelving, vanities,
tabletops, sliding doors, interior signs, lock blocks, kitchen worktops, pool tables, educational
establishments, floor underlayment and other industrial product applications. The usage of
particleboard can be related to its economic advantages such as low-cost of raw materials,
inexpensive adhesives, and its simple processes (Jabile et al., 2022).One advantage of
producing particleboards from these composites is the use of waste materials which helps in
conservation of natural resources. Further, it will help reduce waste or garbage problem and
minimize environmental hazards and devastation.
The aim of this project is to use rice husk composite to create an environmentally friendly
particle board. The production of particle board from rice husk reduces the quantity of
agricultural waste and avoids its open burning or disposal in landfills, which can cause
environmental problems. A growing number of people are interested in developing and putting
into practice these techniques for making particle board out of agricultural waste, such as rice
and coconut husks, as well as other organic materials that are renewable(Suleiman et al., 2013).
Some of the primary factors igniting this interest include the expanding volume of agricultural
waste, the significance of sustainable growth, and the hunt for alternate material sources.

b. The objective(s) of the research

The leading aim of this research is to study the utilization of fly ash in the production of
particleboard. The aim can be achieved when the clear objective of the study is arranged
to different phases of the research.

i. To study the physical properties of rice husk particle board in terms of water absorption
scratch and coloring.
ii. To analyze the mechanical properties of particleboard with rice husk in terms of
compressive strength and tensile strength.

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a. Experimental Matrix
The research is being done based on the experimental matrix which can be found in Table 2.0 below.
Table 2.0: Experimental Matrix
WOOD PARTICLE RICE HUSK(%) SIZE (mm) TEST QUANTITY
(%)
100 0 300 x 300 x 15 Compression strength (MPa) 3
100 0 300 x 300 x 15 Tensile strength (MPa) 3
100 0 300 x 300 x 15 Water Absorption (%) 3
100 0 300 x 300 x 15 Color/Scratch 3
60 40 300 x 300 x 15 Compression strength (MPa) 3
60 40 300 x 300 x 15 Tensile strength (MPa) 3
60 40 300 x 300 x 15 Water Absorption (%) 3
60 40 300 x 300 x 15 Color/Scratch 3
50 50 300 x 300 x 15 Compression strength (MPa) 3
50 50 300 x 300 x 15 Tensile strength (MPa) 3
50 50 300 x 300 x 15 Water Absorption (%) 3
50 50 300 x 300 x 15 Color/Scratch 3
40 60 300 x 300 x 15 Compression strength (MPa) 3
40 60 300 x 300 x 15 Tensile strength (MPa) 3
40 60 300 x 300 x 15 Water Absorption (%) 3
40 60 300 x 300 x 15 Color/Scratch 3

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3.PROGRESS SUMMARY

a. Summary of Research Findings

This research is designed to have two phases of analysis where the first phase is for raw
material. analysis and the second phase are for preparation combining both the main raw
materials and analysis for the utilization of rice husk in a particleboard. The first phase is more
about the first raw material characterization. Figure 3.1 below shows the wood particle sample
used for this study.

Figure 3.1: The wood particle collected from furniture factory.

The second phase of this study is analysing the rice husk where the rice husk will be partially
replacing the wood particle in the particleboard with the constant volume of binder. This phase
is done to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the particleboard alongside with
its water absorption. The rice husk that being partially replace with wood particle are (0 %, 40
%, 50 % ,60 %) will be measured using weight. All the control variable particleboard which is
using only wood particle has been created. From Table 2.0, this research involves 48 pieces of
particleboard with the dimensions of 300 mm x 300 mm x 15 mm, which were created in the
nearest steel foundry. As a surface to clamp,2 piece of plywood was used to lay on top and
bottom of the mold as shown in Figure 3.2 below.The mold was done at the nearest foundry as
shown in Figure 3.3 below.

Figure 3.2: Plywood for top and bottom of mold

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 Figure 3.3: Steel mold was created in the nearest foundry.

On the other hand, polyurethane wood glue bought via online, the initial plan was to use urea-
formaldehyde as a binder but then after some research, got to know that the binder was not eco-
friendly, The and it did not suit the main title of mine which was mainly focusing on eco-
friendly, and then later plan got changed and polyurethane binder was finalized,(Ayrilmis et
al., 2012) as shown in the Figure 3.4 below .The process starts with sieving the wood particle
which was bought from wood factory. The size of sieve used was 5 mm, 2 mm,1.18 mm and
0.60 mm as shown in the Figure 3.5 below, and only the wood particle which is in the sieve
range will be used to create the particleboard, and the wood particle was sized accordingly as
shown in Figure 3.6 below. Subsequently, the wood particle was meticulously measured and
transferred into the beaker. A precise amount of 730 g of wood particle was needed for the
control sample, which consisted entirely of rice husk. The wood particle was mixed manually
by hand until the binder blends well with the wood particle as shown in Figure 3.7. Later the
mixture was evenly spread into the mold and followed by compacting the mixture manually
using a plaster trowel This step was repeated until the mold become fully compact with the
amount of wood particle which were decided to put into a single mold as in Figure 3.8 and
Figure 3.9. shows the preparation of all the control sample particleboard which is (100%) wood
particle.

Figure 3.4: Polyurethane wood adhesive

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 Figure 3.5: Sieve used to achieve same range in size of wood particle.

Figure 3.6: The wood particle which is sieved will be used to create the particleboard.

Figure 3.7: Mixing the wood particle with the binder.

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 Figure 3.8: Spreading the mixture into the mold.

Figure 3.9: Compacting the mixture to archive a compact structure.

Following pre-pressing, plywood and tracing paper were used to cover the mold. Tracing paper
and plywood were used to completely cover the mold on both the top and bottom. G-clamps
were used to secure the covered mold at its edges so that the mixture would be compressed
under pressure as shown in Figure 3.10. For further pressure, a concrete cube was positioned
in the center of the mold. The top plywood was taken off after an hour, and the mixture was
left to dry for two or three days as shown in Figure 3.11.Next day, the mold was taken out and
the particleboard was turned over to allow the other side to dry as shown in Figure 3.12.

Figure 3.10: The mold has be clamped, and concrete block has been put on top as weight.

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 Figure 3.11: After day 1 the sample have dried without the top plywood layer.

Figure 3.12: On day 2 the steel mold has been dismantled, and the sample has been tipped
over to let the other side dry.

Compared to the concrete cube, the particleboard casting process uses a less moist and more
aqueous mixture. As a result, once the particleboard has been completely compacted, it will be
immediately demolished, and depending on the material and humidity level in the area, it may
need to harden for two or three days. As of for now, control sample been casted, and several
testings is yet to be done for mechanical and physical properties of the wood particleboard.

b.Preliminary results

To achieve the research objectives, a range of tests were carried out on samples
containing zero percent rice husk. Scratch resistance, color evaluation, and water
absorption tests are among the physical attributes testing procedures that are carried out.
These analyses are essential for evaluating the particleboard's overall performance and
physical attributes.

I. Water absorption test

Water absorption test for each particleboard is done as per BS: EN 1087-1:1995.
The test involves drying and then submerging the particleboard sample in a water
basin . The sample has been weighted for both dry and wet condition as shown in
Figure 3.13, it means the initial weight of the sample before submerging and final

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weight after the submerge. The test will distinguish the percentage of moisture
content absorbed by the particleboard. This data can be used to compare the water
resistance of the particleboard and to determine which application they are most
suitable for. The formulas for calculating the water absorption are as below.
Water Absorption= Wf-Wi
Wi
Were,
𝑊f = Final weight of particleboard (kg)

𝑊i = Dry weight of particleboard (kg)

The water absorption test has been done to express the percentage by weight of
water absorbed. As the sample is dried under the sun, the dry weight, Wi will be
recorded then the particleboard will be submerged in the water basin for two hours
to obtain the saturated weight, Wf, as shown in the figure 3.14 and was weight as
shown in Figure 3.15. The percentage will be calculated using the equation above.
Table 3.1 shows the water absorption result for the control sample (0% Rice husk).

Figure 3.13: The weight of dry particleboard was recorded.

Figure 3.14: The particleboard was submerged into water basin.

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 Figure 3.15: The particleboard was weight after it was soaked into water.

Table 3.1: Water absorption test result

SAMPLE INITIAL WEIGHT , FINALWEIGHT,Wf,(KG) WATER

WI, (KG) ABSORBTION
(%)
CONTROL 0.46 0.62 34.78
1
CONTROL 0.41 0.59 39.00
2
CONTROL 0.41 0.49 36.36
3
AVERAGE 33.71

In the scratch test, an abrasive material or standardized instrument is used to abrade or

scratch the surface of the wood particle board. The goal is to evaluate the board's resilience
to wear and surface damage. Scratch and colour test was also done for the control
particleboard as shown in Figure 3.16, the scratches on this particleboard run deeper,
penetrating beyond the surface layer, indicating a more significant impact from the sharp
tool, resulting in visible and tactile grooves, as shown in figure 3.17.

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 Figure 3.16: Performing the scratching on the control particleboard.

Figure 3.17: The particleboard after the scratch was performed.

The purpose of the color test is to assess the wood particleboard's look and color
retention. Usually, it entails subjecting the board to ambient elements including heat,
light, and room temperature to detect any alterations in hue or deterioration. This test
aids in determining how well the board maintains its aesthetic qualities in various
settings. The particleboard color, in its original state, showcased a lighter brown shade,
resembling the warm tones of light oak, as per Figure 3.18, after 2 -3 days of drying the
particleboard has transformed into deep, dark brown hue akin to mahogany as per
Figure 3.19 by this it can can be concluded the color of the particleboard changes and
become darker day by day, it stops when the particleboard is completely dried.

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Figure 3.18: color of sample before dry

Figure 3.19: Color of sample after dry

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c.Gantt Chart, Milestone and Achievement Percentage
YEAR 2023 2024
MONTH OCTOBER NOV DEC JAN FEB MARCH APRIL MAY JUN JULY
Week 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
WEEK Semester 1 2
Litreture Survey
Standard Survey
Material preparation
RH and WP Preparation
particle board mould preparation
material testing
Curing
Testing
Data Analysis
Thesis writing

M1 M2 M4
M3

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 d.Problems/ Constraints (If any)

i. Preparation of mold
Mold preparation and casting method is one of the most challenging parts throughout the entire
progress. From the design until the execution, the material of the mould should be sustainable
and durable since the mould will be reuse for several times. Plywood is not acceptable to be
use since it is not sustained towards the pressure from the compacted mixture or else it can
damage the mould even after the first time used so alternatively, steel will be used because it’s
much more suitable for this project, but the plywood will be used as a top and bottom layer
cover. The second was, at first a 6 mould was done, but it did not work because it did not have
space to clamp it and give enough pressure. Later it was changed to another mold design to
individual mold so that it will be more convenient and easier to carry around and most
importantly clamp it as shown in Figure 3.20 until Figure 3.22.

Figure 3.20: Cutting the plywood to layer up and down the mold.

Figure 3.21: Assembling the plywood and the mold.

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 Figure 3.22: Redesigned mold.

ii. Particleboard
At first there was not much pressure in the mold, this was because at that time were not in
the project, so as an alternative material, concrete block was kept on top of the mold, as a
result uneven compact less particleboard were created as shown in the Figure 3.24. Later
decided to apply more pressure, got the clamp as shown in Figure 3.23 and figured the
right amount of correct amount of adhesive, so used 250ml of polyurethane for one mixture.

Figure 3.23: G-clamp to compress the mold.

Figure 3.24: Compactless particleboard.

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iii. After the mold and clamp, there were new problems to be faced which was, after the
mixture was done the mixture stared to stick with the plank, making the particle board
uneven as shown in Figure 3.26. After some research, got to know that using filter
paper might work because the material of the paper is non-sticky as shown in Figure
3.25.

Figure 3.25: Baking paper to cover the top and bottom of the mold.

Figure 3.26: Uneven particleboard

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 e.reference
Ayrilmis, N., Kwon, J. H., & Han, T. H. (2012). Effect of resin type and content on properties of
composite particleboard made of a mixture of wood and rice husk. International Journal of
Adhesion and Adhesives, 38, 79–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijadhadh.2012.04.008

Jabile, L. M., Tuyor, M. P., Salcedo, A., Ken Balangao, J. B., & Namoco Jr, C. S. (2022).
UTILIZATION OF SAWDUST AND RICE HUSK FOR PARTICLE BOARD
APPLICATION. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 2022(2), 257–261.
www.arpnjournals.com

Li, Y., Ding, X., Guo, Y., Rong, C., Wang, L., Qu, Y., Ma, X., & Wang, Z. (2011). A new method
of comprehensive utilization of rice husk. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 186(2–3), 2151–
2156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2011.01.013
Mor V, D. R. (2013a). Utilization of Rice Husk and Their Ash: A Review. In RJCES (Vol. 1, Issue
5). www.aelsindia.com

Mor V, D. R. (2013b). Utilization of Rice Husk and Their Ash: A Review. In RJCES (Vol. 1,
Issue 5). www.aelsindia.com
Suleiman, I. Y., Aigbodion, V. S., Shuaibu,
L., & Shangalo, M. (2013). DEVELOPMENT OF ECO-FRIENDLY PARTICLEBOARD
COMPOSITES USING RICE HUSK PARTICLES AND GUM ARABIC. In Journal of
Materials Science and Engineering with Advanced Technology (Vol. 7, Issue 1).
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305682149

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4.DECLARATION

I
………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………
…………have written and discussed the progress report with my supervisor(s).

Student’s Signature: Verified by:

(Supervisor’sSignat
ure) Official Stamp:

Date:

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