Effects of Temperature and Pressing Time on Flexural Properties of Binderless Chipboards from Coconut Chip

Coconut husk materials have become emerging candidates for the industry of furniture and housing due to their properties and abundance in tropical regions. This study explores using coconut chips, a sustainable and biodegradable resource as an alternative material to produce eco-friendly fibrous boards. The binderless chipboards were fabricated from coconut chips using compression molding at different pressing temperatures and times. The binderless chipboards’ thickness, density, and flexural properties were investigated. Results indicate that higher pressing temperatures and longer pressing times result in reduced thickness, lower density, and improved modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE). Based on the findings of this study, it is suggested that binderless chipboards produced under optimized conditions could offer a viable alternative to traditional wood based particleboards.