New Process for Peanut Husks Panels: Incorporation of Castor Oil Polyurethane Adhesive and Different Particle Sizes

Abstract

New materials are being developed for architectural and design purposes. The recycling of waste is presented as an opportunity for new applications based on increased industrial waste and raw material shortages. Seeking an alternative to wooden panels, regional waste without sustainable disposal is being used as inputs in the production of lignocellulosic panels. We present the results of two experiments. The first one consists in the development of peanut husks ground-treated and untreated panels made in order to determine the influence of different particle sizes, shapes and their combinations, aiming to the physical and mechanical characterization of compact panels properties. In the second experiment, compact panels with whole peanut husks were made with polyurethane resin using castor oil painting. The object of this study was to analyze the influence of this new resin, without formaldehyde emissions, in the resulting panels physical and mechanical properties. It was concluded that the smaller particles had a positive influence in the panels physical-mechanical properties, and that the property characterization of panels made with castor oil resin was satisfactory for use in interior furniture. Peanut husks panels show good prospects for their integration in the field of design and architecture.