PRODUCTION OF PARTICLE BOARDS USING DESERT DATE (BALANITE AEGYPTIACA) SHELL

This study explores the feasibility of utilizing Balanites aegyptiaca (desert date) shells as a sustainable raw material for particle board production. The increasing demand for wood products and the environmental challenges posed by deforestation have prompted the search for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional wood-based boards. The shells of Balanites aegyptiaca were processed, mixed with Arabic gum as a binder, and pressed into particle boards with varying binder percentages (350 g, 250 g, 200 g, and 150 g). The physical and mechanical properties of the boards, including water absorption, density, tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and hardness, were evaluated. Results indicated that higher binder content significantly improved the properties of the particle boards. The sample with the highest binder content (350 g) exhibited superior performance across all tests, including lower water absorption (12.5%), higher density (680 kg/m³), and better mechanical strength. This study demonstrates that Balanites aegyptiaca shells are a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional wood materials for particle board production. These findings contribute to addressing environmental concerns by reducing reliance on wood resources and promoting the use of agricultural residues in engineered wood products. Future research should focus on optimizing binder compositions, scaling up production, and assessing long-term durability to facilitate industrial applications of Balanites aegyptiaca shell-based particle boards.