Fuente: Polymers Polymers, Vol. 18, Pages 107: Characteristics of Particleboards Made from Esterified Rattan Skin Particles with Glycerol–Citric Acid: Physical, Mechanical, Chemical, and Durability Properties
Polymers doi: 10.3390/polym18010107
Authors:
Mahdi Mubarok
Budi Arifin
Trisna Priadi
Yusuf Sudo Hadi
Deazy Rachmi Trisatya
Eko Setio Wibowo
Imam Busyra Abdillah
Resa Martha
Abdus Syukur
Obie Farobie
Lukmanul Hakim Zaini
Sukma Surya Kusumah
Philippe Gérardin
Holger Militz
Xiaojian Zhou
Ioanna A. Papadopoulou
Antonios N. Papadopoulos

This study evaluated the effects of glycerol–citric acid (Gly-CA) modification and polyurethane (PU) adhesive concentration on the properties and termite resistance of rattan skin-based particleboards. Rattan skin particles were modified with 0%, 20%, and 40% Gly-CA and bonded using 6% or 12% PU adhesive. Gly-CA modification significantly improved dimensional stability, reducing water absorption and thickness swelling to about 35–40% and 4–6%, respectively, at 40% Gly-CA with 12% PU. However, excessive modification decreased mechanical strength due to over-crosslinking, while 20% Gly-CA provided the best balance between strength and stability. FTIR analysis confirmed ester and urethane bond formation, while thermogravimetric results showed enhanced thermal stability with increasing Gly-CA content (Tmax up to 356.8 °C). Field tests conducted over 98 days revealed a substantial improvement in durability, with termite-induced mass loss decreasing from about 28% in untreated boards to below 8% in Gly-CA–modified samples. From this study, the combination of 40% Gly-CA modification and 12% PU adhesive produced particleboards with improved dimensional and thermal stability, as well as durability against termites. These findings highlight glycerol–citric acid bio-modification as a sustainable and effective strategy for developing durable eco-friendly rattan skin-based composites.