Binderless boards made of milled coconut husk: an analysis of the technical feasibility and process restraints

The possibility of producing binderless panels made of milled coconut husk, a largely available by-product of the coconut oil industry, has been shown in previous researches. Long pressing times and a high risk of blisters have however hindered the industrial implementation of the process. In this study, a more energy-efficient manufacturing process, involving a tailored degassing step, was developed on a laboratory scale and then validated at an industrial size (2 x 1 m(2)). To achieve mechanical properties close to the European and Japanese standards for fibreboards and to avoid the delamination of the boards, final densities between 900 and 1000 kg m(-3) had to be targeted. Similarly, a successful board production was only possible if the moisture content of the husk was between 10 and 25%. The need for a suitable mat-forming technology to avoid the risk of warping of the panel was highlighted.