Abstract

• This study aimed to prepared particleboards using bio-waste Betel Nut Shell Fiber (BNF) and resinous materials recycled thermoplastics polyethylene (RPE), polypropylene (RPP) and reused polystyrene (RPS) obtained from plastic wastes. The particleboards were prepared by mixing the fibers and plastics followed by hydraulic hot press molding method. The fibers and plastics (1:1) by weight ratio were pressed under 2200 psi with pressing temperature 170 ºC for 15 min. The properties of prepared particleboards were measured according to BS -1811, IS-3087 and ASTM D – 412 and ASTM D- 256 standard methods. The results obtained were compared with FAO (2013) and JSA (2003) standard values. The surface morphological characters of prepared particleboards were recorded by Digital Microscope. It was found that the properties of particleboards were in agreement with the standard values. The obtained properties convincingly indicate high bonding ability of the recycled and reused plastics. The reused polystyrene was the most suitable for particleboard production among two recycled and one reused plastics due to the particleboard made with reused polystyrene possess the highest bending strength 232.70 kg/cm2 , the lowest water absorption (9.31%) and swelling thickness (11.47%) even though it had the lowest thickness value of 0.35 cm.