Technological Properties of Cement-Bonded Composite Board Produced with the Main Veins of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Particles

The effects of main veins of palm (Elaeis guineensis) particles and the amount of CaCl2 on the mechanical and physical properties of cement-bonded composite boards (CBCBs) were investigated in this study. Homogenous CBCBs were produced with main veins palm particles content at three levels of 10, 15, or 20 wt.% and CaCl2 at three levels of 0, 3, or 6 wt.%. Other manufacturing parameters consisting of pressure and time for cold-press, material dry weight, and panel dimensions were kept constant. The flexural strength, flexural modulus, internal bonding, water absorption, thickness swelling, and the thickness of CBCBs after 2 and 24 h immersion in distilled water were determined. The results indicated that increased amount of lignocellulosic particles caused a decrease in the mechanical properties of the CBCBs. The increase in calcium chloride up to 6 wt.% improved mechanical properties of the CBCBs. The panels manufactured with 10 wt.% E. guineensis particles and 6 wt.% CaCl2 showed the most favorable physical and mechanical properties.