Utilization of aleuritic acid free gummy mass - an industrial by-product for making particle board

Abstract

Aleuritic acid free gummy mass, a by-product obtained during the preparation of aleuritic acid from lac resin has been used in conjunction with lac resin for making medium density particle board from the particles of arhar (<i style="">Cajanus cajan</i>) plant stalk. The proportion of gummy mass and lac in the binder composition has been optimized. Influence of various parameters such as the amount of binder, time and temperature of hot press and particle size on the impact strength of the particle board was studied. The other mechanical properties namely water absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of rupture, tensile strength perpendicular to surface of board, and screw withdrawal forces of the particle board of dimensions 120x120x12 mm indicate that these boards can be used for interior applications.