PRODUCTION AND EVALUATION OF CEMENT-BONDED PARTICLE BOARD

USING COGON GRASS AS CONSTITUENT

J. A. TAGAL1 and J. D. CATAYTAY2
1

Student Researcher, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering

University of Southeastern Philippines, Tagum-Mabini Campus
Apokon, Tagum City, Davao del Norte
Email: jobelle_tagal@yahoo.com
2
Adviser and Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering,
College of Agriculture and Related Sciences,
University of Southeastern Philippines, Apokon,
Tagum City, Davao del Norte
__________________________________________________________________________
ABSTRACT
The possibility of using cogon grass as constituent of cement-bonded particle board (CBPB) was evaluated
in this study.
The study started with the collection of cogon grass, cement, and other materials used in the production of
cement-bonded particle board. The cogon grass was chopped and cut then dried and weighed to desired quantities
corresponding to cement to cogon grass ratios by weight.
A preliminary evaluation was conducted on the amount of cogon grass to be used in the production of
CBPB. After evaluation, it was found out that the amount of cogon grass should not exceed 15 percent of the total
weight of the produced CBPB.
After determination of the amount of cogon grass, three treatments were formulated, 85:15, 90:10, 95:5
cement and cogon grass ratio respectively. Each mixture was glued together. After 28 days of curing. The density
and specific gravity of the boards were determined. The boards were also subjected to modulus of rupture, the 95:5
cement/cogon grass ratio was superior to that 85:15 and 90:10 cement/ cogon grass ratio. Water absorption result
showed that the 90:10 and 95:5 cement/ cogon grass ratio were comparable with each other and were less absorbent
than that of the 85:15 cement/cogon grass ratio. Cement-bonded particle board made from cogon grass can therefore
be used for housing materials.

INTRODUCTION
Grasses
are
particularly
growing
everywhere. The first thing that comes into our mind
is the picture of weeds growing profusely in the open
fields. The grass family includes plants that we do
not normally think as grasses like sugar canes and
bamboos. The grass family contains 635 generas and
9,000 species, making it as the fourth largest plant
family after the legumes, orchids and composite
flowering plants. Grass belongs to the family of
graminea, a large family of monocotyledoneae, the
subclass of monocots or those flowering plants that
have single cotyledon or seed leaf.
Cogon grass is recently used as a potential
export item in the neighboring nation of the
Philippines. It serves as feedstuff in cattle fattening
operations, at the same time development arouse the
interest of enterprising groups and individuals, it also
cause apprehension among ecologist and citizen

concerned with protective, productive and sustainable

use of the natural environment.
The benefits of cogon grasses are not only
limited to the export of feeds but most importantly it
serves as prevention of soil erosion resulting in the
siltation of dams. Thus, a structure would normally
be constructed to catch silt in dams so as not hamper
the operational life of dams.
The uncontrollable growth of these grasses
can be a threat to our farmers life in the field. Cogon
grasses are like silent robbers who slowly rob the
land to the extent they reduce the quality of the crops.
Cogon grass, Imperata cylindrica (L.) has been
ranked as one of the ten worst weeds of the world. In
tropical and subtropical regions around the globe, this
aggressive, rhizomatous perennial is generally
considered a pernicious pest plant due to its ability to
successfully disperse, colonize, spread, and
subsequently compete with and displace desirable

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vegetation and disrupt ecosystems over a wide range
of environmental conditions. These characteristics
and consequences of cogon grass infestations are
similarly evident even within the native or endemic
range in the Eastern Hemisphere, as it has long been
considered one of Southeast Asias most noxious
weeds (Brook, 1989).
Significance of the Study
Chronic shortages of suitable housing exist
throughout the developing nations of the world.
Reasons for these shortages vary, but lack of
planning, exploitation of natural resources, and rapid
population growth has greatly exacerbated the
problem. The need for low-cost housing specifically
suited to the needs of these people has long been
recognized by essentially all world bodies concerned
with humanitarian issues along with those
governments concerned with global political stability.
Given the practical financial constraints that exist in
these countries, however, it is evident that the
solution to world housing problems lies largely in the
development of low-cost building materials that are
able to satisfy the production, construction,
economic, cultural, safety, and health requirements
imposed by the natural barriers, lack of infrastructure,
and lack of community services in developing
nations.
This study would make this cogon grass a
useful constituent on producing alternative
construction materials. CBPB had been successfully
used in a variety of climatic condition where its
unique characteristics make it an ideal building
material. It would introduce the important uses of
cogon grass.
Objectives
Generally, the study aimed to produced and
evaluate Cement Bonded Particle Board (CBPB)
using cogon grass as constituent for its production.
1. Produce CBPB, using different proportion of
cogon grass and cement.
2. Determine the modulus of rupture (MOR)
and water absorption (WA) capacity of the
produced cement-bonded particle board.
3. Determine the density and specific gravity
of CBPB constituted by cogon grass.
4. Select the best mixture of cement and cogon
grass ratio with high MOR value.
5. Determine the cost of production of the
produced CBPB.

Scope and Limitations

The study was limited only to production,
evaluation and selecting of best CBPB mixture
which have the highest MOR value. Evaluation was
limited to determine its density, specific gravity,
MOR value and water absorption value. MOR value
was obtained by determining the maximum load that
the board can with stand per unit area for three
cement/cogon grass ratios: 85:15, 90:10, 95:5.
Data gathering and experimentation was
conducted from October 2010 to January 2011 at
Maco, Compostela Valley Province.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials
The materials used for the production of
cement-bonded particle board (CBPB) using cogon
grass as constituent were:
3 kilogram of cogon grass
20 kilogram of Portland cement
mat forming frame (dimension: 8in X 5in)
bolo
large plastic basin
water
weighing scale
spring balance
1 piece plywood
Oven
Collection of Materials
Cogon grass was collected at the grassland.
Cement, nails and plywood were purchased from the
hardware. Other materials were collected according
to their availability.
Frame Construction
The frame (Figure 1) was constructed from
wood having 1 in X 1 in dimension and a length of 8
in (2pcs.) and 5 in (2pcs.). These four pieces of wood
was nailed to form a rectangular frame. The bottom
of the frame was attached to a piece of plywood.

3
4.) The dried cogon grass, water and cement
were mixed manually until the cogon grass
will be coated with cement.
5.) The mixture was spread out in a mixture
forming frame previously constructed. It
was sure that the mixture will be properly
level up to a thickness of inch.
6.) The mixture (Figure 4) was dried for 24
hours and left to stand for 27 days to cure
completely.
7.) After curing, the produced CBPB was
subjected to evaluation by determining its
density, specific gravity, MOR test and
water absorption test.
Figure 1. Constructed frame
Preliminary Evaluation
To know the possible amount of cogon grass
used in the study for the production of cementbonded particle board, a preliminary evaluation was
conducted. Three pieces of CBPB with different
ratios of cement and cogon grass were formulated.
The ratios of cement and cogon grass used were
60:40, 70:30, 80:20 respectively. After 28 days of
curing, the strength of produced CPBP was tested.
Also the appearance of the boards was examined. The
appearance and the strength were then used as the
basis in formulating the treatments used in the study.

Figure 3. Weighing of cogon grass

Procedure for CBPB Production

1.) The collected cogon grass (Figure 2) was
manually cut into small pieces.
2.) The cut cogon grass was sun dried.
3.) The dried cogon grass was weighed
according to the 85:15; 90:10; 95:5 cement
to cogon grass ratio (Figure 3).

Figure 4. Mixing of cogon grass and cement

8.) Three replications for each treatment were
also performed for each test mention above.
Formulation

Figure 2. Collected cogon grass

Each treatment has a dimension of 8 in. X 5

in. X in. was subjected for evaluation. Three
treatments were used in this study. Each treatment

4
represents different mixing proportions. Proportion
for treatment 1 (T1) was 85:15; for treatment 2 (T2)
was 90:10 and for treatment 3 (T3) was 95:5 cement
to cogon grass respectively.
Statistical Tools
The analysis of variance (ANOVA)
following CRD design was used in the study to
determine significant difference. Duncans Multiple
Range Test (DMRT) was used to identify the
significant difference per treatment.
Density Computations
The width and thickness of the board
develop was determined. After measuring, each of
the board was weighed (Figure 5). Density was
computed
using
the
formula:
(equ.1)
Where: DPB = is density of particle board (g/cm3)
WPB = is weight of particle board (g)
VPB = is volume of particle board (cm3)
Where: VPB = L x W x t
Where: L = length of particle board (cm)
W = width of particle board (cm)
t = thickness of particle board (cm)

Figure 5. Weighing of produced cement-bonded

particle board

Modulus of Rupture (MOR) Test

Modulus of rapture was the maximum load
applied per unit area of the board that can withstand
without breaking. The formula used in determining
MOR values for these three different mixing
proportions was:
MOR=3PL
(equ.2)
2bd2
Where:
MORfs = modulus of rapture for flexural
strength.
P = load applied
L = length of CBPB
B = base
d = thickness
Water Absorption Test
Water absorption test was the property of
cement-bonded particle board to hold water. To start
the test the initial weight of particle board was
determined. The CBPB was then soaked into water
for 24 hours. After soaking (Figure 6), final weight of
CBPB was recorded. This weight was compared with
the initial weigh of the particle board.
Formulated in Bato Balani Magazine, 199899 for water absorption is:
WA =

(equ.3)

Where: WA = water absorption (g/cm3)

Wf = weight of CBPB after soaking (g)
Wi = weight of CBPB before soaking (g)
A = area of CBPB (cm)
t = thickness of CBPB (cm)

Figure 6. Soaking of produced cement-bonded

particle board in water

5
Specific Gravity Computation
As applied to CBPB, the ratios of the oven
dry weight of sample to the weight of volume of water
equal to volume of the sample at specified moisture
content.
The boards was oven dried as a temperature
of 101 to 104oC as specified by the American Standard
Testing Materials (Bato Balani, 1999)
Sg =

(equ.4)

Where: Sg = specific gravity

Wpb = weight of oven dried CBPB (g)
WH2O = weight of water equal to volume of
CBPB tested (g)
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Cement-bonded particle board (CBPB) is
composed of small wood particles of other fibrous
materials. Relatively cheap and highly versatile, it
competes closely with plywood as a prime panel
material.
Cogon grass is commonly discarded in the
Philippines. However, it embedded with silica and
contains a durable fiber. Silica is usually used as
additives in concrete to add strength to it. Due to its
light weight, high strength to weight ratio, corrosion
resistance and other advantages, natural fiber based
composites are becoming important composite
materials in building.
The prospects for CBPB production are
bright; more so as the price of lumber and plywood is
increasingly steadily. This research would make this
cogon grass as the primary material for cementbonded particle board.
Preliminary Evaluation
During the preliminary evaluation conducted,
as the appearance of the produced CBPB was shown,
it was found out that the three ratios being formulated
were not possible because the cement was not enough
to coat the cogon grass. After the preliminary
evaluation, production of the cement-bonded particle
board (CBPB) followed. Three treatments (Figure7)
were prepared with treatment 1 as 85:15, treatment 2
as 90:10, treatment 3 as 95:5 cement and cogon grass
ratio respectively. Three replications were also
prepared for each treatment.

Figure 7. Produced cement-bonded particle board.

Density of Produced CBPB
Table 1 shows that the produced CBPB
different from the average board density which ranged
from 1.097 to 1.533 g/cm3. It was found out that the
average density of some produced cement-bonded
particle board far exceeds with the standard density of
CBPB
which
is
1.25
g/cm3
(http://www.eltomation.nl/page 5.html). Among the
three treatments, treatment 1 had the lower density and
treatment 3 had the higher density. Statistical test
using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test at 5%
and 1% level of significance, comparing the computed
F (Fc) and tabular F (Ft) in Table 1, result showed that
the density of produced CBPB was affected by the
proportion of cement and cogon grass. It was also
found out that treatment 2 and treatment 3 were not
significantly different. Only treatment 1 had
significant difference with treatment 2 and treatment 3.
Table 1. Observation data for the density of produced
CBPB, g/cm3.
Treatment

Observation

Total

Mean

R1

R2

R3

1.55

1.11

1.08

3.29

1.097b

1.25

1.25

1.30

3.8

1.267a

1.53

1.53

1.54

4.6

1.533a

11.69

3.897

Grand

Cv=3.14%
Mean numbers with different letters has significant
difference at 5% level of significance using DMRT.

6
Specific Gravity of Produced CBPB
The produced CBPB were oven-dried at a
temperature of 104oC for 24 hours as specified by the
American Standard Testing Materials (Bato Balani,
1999). The boards withstand the extreme temperature.
Table 2 shows the specific gravity of produced CBPB.
Treatment 3 had the higher value and treatment 1had
the lower specific gravity. Statistical test using the
analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% and 1% level of
significance showed that there was a significant
among treatment means. Treatment 1 and treatment 2
were not significantly different, only with that of
treatment 3.
Table 2. observation data for the specific gravity of
produced CBPB, g/g
Treatment

Observation
R1

R2

Total

Mean

Table 3. Observation data for water absorption of the

produced CBPB, g/cm3.
Treatment

Observation

Total

Mean

R1

R2

R3

0.184

0.171

0.175

0.53

0.177a

0.153

0.147

0.13

0.43

0.143b

0.132

0.151

0.127

0.41

0.137b

1.37

0.461

Grand

Cv = 7.21%
Mean numbers with different letters has significant
difference at 5% level of significance using DMRT.

R3
Modulus of Rupture of Produced CBPB

1.05

1.07

1.05

3.17

1.06b

1.16

1.17

1.20

3.53

1.18b

1.46

1.44

1.50

4.4

1.47a

11.1

3.71

Grand

Cv=1.82%
Mean numbers with different letters has significant
difference at 5% level of significance using DMRT.
Water Absorption of the CBPB
The produced CBPB were subjected to water
absorption test by soaking the boards in 24 hours.
Table 3 shows the water absorption capacity of the
produced CBPB. Among the treatments, treatment 1
(85:15) has the higher water absorption capacity and
treatment 3 (95:5) has the lower water absorption
capacity. The water absorption capacity of the
produced CBPB was subjected to statistical analysis
using the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 5% and
1% level of significance. Result showed the water
absorption capacity of the boards was significant. The
CBPB were greatly affected by the proportion of
cement and cogon grass. It was also found out that
treatment 2 and treatment 3 were not significantly
different. Only treatment 1 had significant difference
with treatment 2 and treatment 3.

The produced CBPB were subjected into a

test to determine its modulus of rupture. Modulus of
rupture was the maximum load the board can
withstand per unit area. Table 4 shows the MOR value
of the produced CBPB. Results showed that the
treatment 3 (95:5) had the highest MOR,at 908.91
N/cm2. The lowest MOR mean was from treatment
1(85:15), which was only 268.28N/cm2. Among the
treatments, treatment 3 exceeded the standard value of
MOR for CBPB which is 9 N/mm2. Statistical test
using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 5% and 1%
level of significance of MOR of produced CBPB
showed that there was significance among treatment
means. It was also found out that treatment 2 and
treatment 3 were not significantly different. Only
treatment 1 had significant difference with treatment 2
and treatment 3.

7
Table 4. Observation data for modulus of rupture of
produced CBPB, N/cm2.
Treat
Observation
Total
Mean
ment
R1

R2

R3

261.35

277.46

266.46

804.85

268.28b

582.31

624.76

569.76

1776.83

592.28b

920.31

860.79

945.64

2726.74

908.91a

5308.42

1769.47

Grand

Cv = 5.17%
Mean numbers with different letters has significant
difference at 5% level of significance using DMRT.
Cost Estimates
For every piece, cement bought including
miscellaneous, labor for hauling the grass and other
material used was recorded for cost estimates. Each
item cost was estimated using the particle dimension
of 8in x 5in x in.
The Table 5 comprises the cost of production
of cement-bonded particle board (CBPB).
Table 5. Cost of the produced CBPB of dimension
(8in x 5in x in)
Treatment

Total Cost (Php.)

13.40

14.20

15.10

The computed cost and estimates for the three

treatments of cement-bonded particle board were used
in order to know the cost of producing a CBPB using
cogon grass as constituent. For treatment 1, the cost of
production was 13.40 Php.; for treatment 2 was 14.20
Php.; and for treatment 3 was 15.10 Php. for a 8in x
5in x in. The estimated price per square inch ranges
from 0.67 to 0.76 Php.

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study started with the collection of
materials used; cogon grass, cement and other
materials used. The cogon grass was chopped and cut
into tiny pieces. It was then sun dried.
In order to determine the possible amounts of
cogon grass to be used in the study, preliminary
evaluation was conducted. 60:40, 70:30, 80:20 were
the ratios of cement and cogon grass preliminary used.
After evaluation, it was found out that the amounts of
the grass used were not possible because the cement
was not enough to coat the fiber. After preliminary
evaluation, production of CBPB followed. Three
Treatments are being formulated, T1 as 85:15, T2 as
90:10, and T3 as 95:5 cement and grass ratios
relatively. Each mixture were glued together and cured
for 27 days.
After the production of CBPB, the density
and specific gravity were determined. The CBPB also
undergoes Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and water
absorption (WA) tests.
Some of the produced CBPB exceeds from
the standard density of CBPB because of the
treatments composed mainly of cement. The specific
gravity of the produced CBPB was determined after
oven-drying for 24 hours at 104oC as specified by the
American Standard Testing Materials (ASTM). Only
treatment 3 exceeded the standard specific gravity of
CBPB, which is 1.25. Among the treatments,
treatment 1 and treatment 2 were not significantly
different, only with that of treatment 3.
The produced CBPBs were subjected to water
absorption and modulus of rupture tests. Statistical test
shows that the water absorption capacity of the boards
was greatly affected by the proportion of cement and
cogon grass. Treatment 1 and Treatment 2 do not vary
considerably. In terms of modulus of rupture,
Treatment 3 has a higher strength compare to
treatment 1 and treatment 2. The mean MOR of
treatment 3, 9.08 N/mm2, exceeds the standard MOR
for CBPB which is 9N/mm2 (Eltomation, 1996).
The estimated cost of the produced cementbonded particle board ranges from 13.40 Php. to 15.10
Php. It is cheaper compared to a commercial price of
CBPB which is 15.73 Php.
Conclusion
The produced CBPBs were denser than the
standard CBPB. Treatment 1 was less dense than
treatment 3. Result showed that the density of the
boards increased as the proportion of cement

8
increased. The specific gravity of the board also
increased as the amount of cement increased. The
produced CBPB had a better water absorption
compared to the standard CBPB. Among the
treatments, treatment 3 has the higher MOR value
which exceeded the standard MOR for CBPB. Its price
per square inch is cheaper than a commercial CBPB.
Therefore, treatment 3 was the best treatment
and had the best proportion of cement and cogon grass
for cement-bonded particle board production.
Recommendations
Based from the study the following are
recommended for further study:
1. Add some additives to improve the strength
of the produced cement-bonded particle
board.
2. Use a suitable adhesive as binding material
for the production of cement-bonded
particleboard like plastic resin.
3. Use the finest chop of cogon grass to enhance
the binding properties.
4. Use different thickness of the produced
cement-bonded particle board for evaluation.

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LITERATURE CITED
Bato Balani for Science and Technology (Senior Ed.) Vol. 18 No.1 SY 1998-99
Bato Balani for Science and Technology (Senior Ed.) Vol. 18 No.3 SY 1998-99
CATOERA, DEXTER,2010. Production and Evaluation of Cement-Boned Particle Board Using Chicken Feather As
Constituent.
ERELLANA, ISMAEL CONSENCINO,2006. Production and Evaluation of Cement-Boned Particle Board Using
Coconut Coir As Constituent.
MILLER, R.1991. Carpentry and Construction.
World Wide Web: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cement. Accessed online on October 17, 2009
World Wide Web: http:// www. bmtpc. org/pubs/papers/ paper 1.htm. Accessed online on
October 17, 2009
World Wide Web: http://www.eltomation.nl/cbpb.html. Accessed online on October 17, 2009
World Wide Web: http://www.fao.org/docrep/r6560e/r6560e05.htm. Accessed online on October 17, 2009
World Wide Web: http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/imcy1.htm. Accessed online on October 17, 2009