Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Particle board is a widely used material in the building industry. The process

begins where the scraps of wood, wood chips or even fibers are collected, dried, mixed

with adhesives and heated then pressed into a particle board. One good thing about

particle board is that it can be made from sawdust or sawmill that’s why less trees can

be cut down but this isn’t always true, most of the time, particle board can be harmful for

the environment.

As time passed by, the world wide population grows, which result to the increase

in demand of wood and its derived products. Due to the increase of demand of wood

products, the forest reserves are diminishing in an alarming way and it affects the cost

of materials. This demand has caused to find alternative raw materials for the

production of boards and panels. One solution to this problem is the use of alternative

agricultural residues such as the stalks of the most cereal crops, rice husks, coconut

fibers (coir), bagasse, corn cobs, peanut shells, etc. These agricultural waste products

are typically left on the farm after the target crops have been harvested. Waste products

add to space problems in landfills, as they remain in landfills until they are biodegraded.

Several fire incidents were recorded recently. Inevitable use of flammable

materials like wood, was one of the main causes of fire tragedies, which is one of the

primary issues in this country. This greatly affects not just the economy of the country

but also the living of the people. Due to this problem, some innovations have been
made to use fire retardant chemicals to lessen the effects of fire to the structures and by

these means, it has expanded the use of wood in construction and provided significant

safety to occupants of wood building. One of the possible chemicals that can be added

to other material to make it fire retardant is Boric Acid. Thus, this gave the proponents

an idea to improve the production of alternative particle board by making it fire

retardant.

This study intended to create a particle board that is economical, durable and

sustainable because it uses Moringa pods as a raw material. This material is considered

as a waste that, being rich in cellulose, is a source of raw material for the production of

environmental products. Naturally-dried moringa pod particle board is more economical

than the commercial particle board.

Figure 1. Malunggay (Moringa Oleifera) Pods

Moringa Oleifera (Malunggay/Drumstick tree) is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can

reach a height of 10–12 m (32–40 ft) and trunk diameter of 45 cm (1.5 ft). It is widely

cultivated for its young seed pods and leaves used as vegetables and for traditional herbal

medicine. It is also used for water purification. Moringa oleifera is considered to be an

aggressive invasive species. In cultivation, it is often cut back annually to 1–2 m (3–6 ft)

and allowed to regrow so the pods and leaves remain within arm's reach. Moringa is a

sun and heat-loving plant, and does not tolerate freezing or frost. It is particularly suitable

for dry regions, as it can be grown using rainwater without expensive irrigation techniques.

In the past, particle board was only available to the wealthy because the price

was higher than some real timbers. In our present time, the manufacturing process

improved, the supply became more stable, and the material became cheaper. Furniture

manufacturers throughout this world have grown because of the particle board that is

available anywhere and less expensive. In some areas, particle board often displaced

solid wood in the manufacture of low cost and medium cost furniture.

Absolute versatility is one of the biggest benefits of a particle board. It can be

used for a variety of different purposes at home, offices or factory setting. The size,

density and quality of the particle boards can be adjusted depending on what market

wants. Another great advantage is that particle board is effective and practical way to

lessen the waste pollution in our surroundings because it gathers up all the waste and

trimmings that are left behind from solid wood work. Above all, consuming quality items

that will not be needed to be replaced often is a sustainable living.

Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Figure 2. Research Paradigm of the Study

 Figure 2 shows the research paradigm of the study. Frame 1 shows the input of

the study. It includes the supplies and materials, tools and equipment, and materials.

Frame 2 shows the processes needed in producing the particle board. It includes

Planning, Information Gathering, Harvesting of Materials, Milling and Shredding, Air

Drying, Mixing, Molding/Pre-Compressing, Compressing and Curing, Sanding and

Coating, and Testing. Frame 3 shows the output being the fire-resistive Moringa Pods

Husk particle board.

Objectives of the Study

Generally, this study aimed to produce fire resistive moringa pods particle board.

Specifically, this study desires to attain the following:

1. To determine the effective ratio (85:15, 80:20, 75:25) of Moringa pod particles

and adhesive such as Urea Formaldehyde and Wood Glue.

2. To determine the percentage content (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%) of Boric Acid as Fire

Retardant that will withstand fire resistance mechanical property based on ASTM

E84-04 (Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building

Materials)

3. To test the most efficient fire resistive particle board in terms of:

a. Water absorption (ASTM D1037-99)

b. Thickness swelling (ASTM D1037-99)

c. Nail-pull through (ASTM D1037-99)

4. To compute the estimated return of investment (ROI) after one year.

Significance of the Study

Construction

The use of Boric acid will be of great help in fire retardant aspect of the particle

boards.

University

The study will help the universities to produce income generation project in the

future by developing products using fire-resistive Moringa Pods Husk particle board.

College of Engineering

This research would serve as an additional knowledge and information to the

future researchers from this college.

Students

The study serves as a reference for other students in the future and to other

related studies.

Future Researchers

This study would help the future researchers who would like to use this as a

basis or reference in improving and developing their paper works and also in conducting

project studies which will use the same concept and principle. It can also give ideas for

researchers in modifying the project in much innovative way.

Scope and Limitation

The components of the particle board are moringa oleifera pods husk, R21-035

(Urea Formaldehyde) as adhesive, and Boric Acid as fire retardant. The boards are

sized 30cmx60cmx1.90cm (wall cladding) and 30cmx60cmx0.60cm (ceiling).

It was made of 80% Moringa Pods fibers mixed with 20% adhesive and 30% fire

retardant as additive. The mixture is then pre-compressed in a molder letting the

mixture intact and then placed in a hot compressing machine with 3000 psi pressure

under 100°C for 10 minutes. The color of the ceiling is the same as the raw material

used while the wall cladding has natural color with black spots. Both have same smooth

texture. Eight board samples sized 15cmx15cmx1.90cm underwent fire-testing (ASTM

E84-04) and the board with longest time to be consumed by fire underwent on water

absorption (ASTM- D1037-99), thickness swelling (ASTM D1037-99), and nail-pull

through (ASTM D1037-99). It will serve as modernized wall and ceiling for fire resistive

building construction materials. (kila ate nika)

Operational Definition of Terms

 Based on the researcher’s materials, the following terms and concepts were

defined operationally for further understanding of the study:

Boric Acid. A chemical which serves as both fire retardant and smolder

suppressant.

Malunggay Pods. considered as the fruit of maluggay tree. Inside the fruit pod

are enclosed aromatic seeds that are brown and tiny.

Particleboard. an interior-use engineered wood panel product, manufactured

from wood particles.

Resin. Specifically, Urea Formaldehyde; used as binder in the research study

Hot Compressing. The method used to consolidate the mat and reacts the resin

with the use of the mechanical machine.

Chapter 2
 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The literature review is based on the assumption that knowledge accumulates

and that the researchers learn from and build on what others have done through the

support of collected data from books, manuals, unpublished thesis and the internet,

these will provide the baseline of information that supposedly gives a clearer overview

of this research.

Boric Acid-research (5 author) ok

Moringa- research (5 author) ok

Particleboard- research (5 author)

Resin- research (5 author)

Chapter 3
 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter shows and discusses the methodological procedures and relations

that the researchers use in conducting the study. It focuses mainly on Study Design,

Instruments and Procedures, and Data Collection and Analysis that are used in order to

make the project Fire Resistive Moringa Pods Particleboard.

Study Design

According to Oskar Blakstad (2008), Experimental Research is a collection of

research designs which use manipulation and controlled testing to understand casual

processes. Generally, one or more variables are manipulated to determine their effect

on a dependent variable. The experimental method is a systematic and scientific

approach to research in which the researcher manipulates one or more variables, and

controls and measures any change in other variables. The word experimental research

has a range of definitions. In the strict sense, experimental research is what we call a

true experiment.

The simplest example of an experimental research is conducting a laboratory

test. This is an experiment where the researchers manipulate one variable, and

control/randomizes the rest of the variables. It has a control group, the subjects have

been randomly assigned between the groups and the researchers only tests one effect

at a time.

On the other hand, according to Rita C. Richey of Wayne State University, the

field of instructional technology has traditionally involved a unique blend of theory and

practice. This blend is most obvious in developmental research, which involves the
production of knowledge with the ultimate aim of improving the processes of

instructional design, developmental, and evaluation. It is based on their situation-

specific problem solving or generalized inquiry procedures.

Developmental research, as opposed to simple instructional development, has

been defined as “the systematic study of designing, developing and evaluating

instructional programs, processes, and products that must meet the criteria of internal

consistency and effectiveness” (Seels & Richey, 1994, p. 127). In its simplest form,

developmental research could be either:

 A situation in which someone is performing instructional design, development, or

evaluation activities and studying the process at the same time

 The study of the impact of someone else’s instructional design and development

efforts

The study of the instructional design, development, and evaluation process as a whole,

or of particular process components

In each case, the distinction is made between performing a process and studying

that process. On the other hand, some reports of Developmental Research may take

the form of a case study with a retrospective analysis, an evaluation report, or even that

of a typical experimental research report.

The researchers collected data information to study and evaluate the effects of

different ratio of boric acid as a fire retardant on particle boards with two kinds of

adhesives. Based on the information stated above, the Fire Resistive Moringa Pods

Particleboard is under experimental and developmental methods of study.

Data Gathering Procedure

This part supports the idea of the research about the alternative use of Moringa

Pods residue, by the gathered data. This will serve as the basis in developing the

construction procedure of the product. Through research, the proponents of this study

obtained the appropriate ratio of particles and binder to make an effective fire resistive

particleboard.

The researcher used various references in gathering data, information and

procedures for the accomplishment of the study, including research and studies from

books, internet, articles, journals, magazines, dictionary, as well as, encyclopedia,

newspapers and relevant videos about the components of the study from posture, old

and accurate thesis and from actual observations.

These are the concepts that will be used as bases in making the preliminary idea

for choosing the prefer particle for the development of the alternative construction

material. The researchers able to deduced the idea for the methodology in the study. All

the information necessary from the projects obtained through research.

Supplies and Materials

Table 1. Supplies and Materials

 Supplies and Uses

Materials

Moringa Pods

R21-035 (Urea One of two adhesive used in making fire resistive

Formaldehyde) particleboard; it includes ammonium chloride

Ammonium Chloride Acts as a catalyst or hardener for R21-035 (Urea

Formaldehyde)

Stikwel Popular wood glue used in joining wooden surfaces; One of

two adhesives used in making fire resistive particleboard

Boric Acid Acts as fire retardant in making fire resistive particle board

Polyurethane Used for coating fire resistive particleboard

Table 1 shows the supplies and materials used in this study such as moringa

pods, R21-035 Urea Formaldehyde, Ammonium Chloride, Stikwel, Boric Acid, and

Polyurethane. The table also includes the uses of each supplies and materials on the

next column.

Table 2. Tools and Equipment

 Tools and Equipment Uses

Paint brush Used for coating fire resistive

particleboard

Sandpaper Used fore refining the edges and surfaces

of fire resistive particleboard

Gloves Used for manual mixing to avoid direct

contact with the chemicals used

Digital Weighing Scales Used to determine specific weights of the

materials used

Molder Used for pre0compressing the mat

mixture

Metal Sheets Used as plates for the mat mixture before

putting it to hot compress machine

Hot Compress Machine Machine with specific pressure,

temperature and time used to compress

the mat mixture

Table 2 shoes the tools and equipment used in this study such as Paintbrush,

Sandpaper, Gloves, Digital Weighing Scale, Molder, Metal Sheets and Hot Compress

Machine and its uses.

Construction Procedures
 A. For Raw Materials

1. Collect Moringa Pods which are qualified for waste disposal

2. Sun dry or air dry the Moringa Pods

3. After Air-drying or Sun-drying, shred the Moringa Pods using shredder

Machine.

B. For Production

1. Mix the required (maximum: 20%) percentage of binder with 80% fiber

including the specific amount of fire retardant.

2. Put the mixture in the molder for pre-compression and apply pressure until

it is totally compressed.

3. Put the pre-compressed mixture in between two metal sheets for hot

compressing.

4. Put the mat mixture in the hot compress machine until the desired

thickness is achieved. Take note of the time, temperature and pressure

that is needed to make the board.

5. Remove the board from the hot compress machine.

6. Grind the edges of the board to final dimensions.

7. San the board to refine the edges.

8. Coat the finished product with Polyurethane and dry to achieve the

desired product.

Testing Procedures

Fire Resistance Test (ASTM E84-04)

 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

1. Scope

1.1 This fire-test-response standard for the comparative surface burning behavior of

building materials is applicable to exposed surfaces such as walls and ceilings. The test

is conducted with the specimen in the ceiling position with the surface to be evaluated

exposed face down to the ignition source. The material, product, or assembly shall be

capable of being mounted in the test position during the test. Thus, the specimen shall

either be self-supporting by its own structural quality, held in place by added supports

along the test surface, or secured from the back side.

1.2 The purpose of this test method is to determine the relative burning behavior of the

material by observing the flame spread along the specimen. Flame spread and smoke

developed index are reported. However, there is not necessarily a relationship between

these two measurements.

1.3 The use of supporting materials on the underside of the test specimen has the

ability to lower the flame spread index from those which might be obtained if the

specimen could be tested without such support. These test results do not necessarily

relate to indices obtained by testing materials without such support.

1.4 Testing of materials that melt, drip, or delaminate to such a degree that the

continuity of the flame front is destroyed, results in low flame spread indices that do not

relate directly to indices obtained by testing materials that remain in place.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory

information. These notes and footnotes, excluding those in tables and figures, shall not

be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.7 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products,

or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself

incorporate all factors required for fire-hazard or fire-risk assessment of the materials,

products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,

associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish

appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory

limitations prior to use.

Section 8: Procedure

8.1 With the furnace draft opening, place the test specimen on the test

chamber ledges that have been completely covered with nominal 1/8” (3.2

mm) thick by 1 ½” (38 mm) wide woven gasketing tape. Place the

specimen as quickly as practical Place the removable top in position over

the specimen.

8.2 Keep the completely mounted specimen in position in the chamber with

the furnace draft operating for 120 ± 15 s prior to the application of the

test flame.
8.3 Ignite the burner gas. Observe and record the distance and time of

maximum flame front travel with the room darkened. Continue the test for

a 10 minutes period. Termination of the test prior to 10 minutes is

permitted if the specimen is completely consumed in the fire area and no

further progressive burning is evident and the photoelectric cell reading

has returned baseline.

8.4 Record the photoelectric cell output immediately prior to the test and at

least every 15 s during the test.

8.5 Record the gas pressure the pressure differential across the orifice plate,

and the volume of gas used in each test. If a temperature and pressure-

compensating mass flow meter device is used to monitor the gas flow,

record only the volume of gas.

8.6 When the test is ended, shut off the gas supply, observe smoldering and

other conditions within the test duct, and remove the specimen for further

examination.
Water Absorption and Thickness Swelling Test (ASTM D1037-99)

100. Scope

100.1 A test shall be made to determine the water absorption characteristics of

building boards. For Method A(see Section 104) the water absorption and thickness

swelling are expressed as a percent for the specimen after a 2 plus 22–h submersion.

For Method B (see Section 105) the water absorption and thickness swelling are

expressed as a percent for the specimen after a single continuous submersion time of

24–h. Method A, with its initial 2–h submersion period, provides information on the short

term and longer term (2 plus 22–h) water absorption and thickness swelling

performance. Because Method A calls for a short removal period after 2 h, the values

from Method A and Method B are not necessarily compatible.

101. Test Specimen

101.1 The test specimen shall be 12 by 12 in. (305 by 305 mm) in size, or 6 by 6

in. (152 by 152 mm) in size with all four edges smoothly and squarely trimmed.

102. Conditioning Prior to Test

102.1 The test specimen shall be conditioned as nearly as deemed practical to

constant weight and moisture content in a conditioning chamber maintained at a relative

humidity of 65 6 1 % and a temperature of 68 6 6°F (20 6 3°C) (Note 34). The moisture

content after conditioning shall be reported.

NOTE 34—Conditioning prior to testing is not a common practice for quality control

testing and some other circumstances. If the specimen is not conditioned to the defined
parameters in Section 102, the deviation from the conditioning requirement shall be

reported.

103. Weight, Thickness, and Volume of Test Specimen

103.1 After conditioning, weigh the specimen to an accuracy of not less than 60.2

% and measure the width, length, and thickness to an accuracy of not less than 60.3 %.

Compute the volume of the specimen from these measurements. Measure the thickness

to an accuracy of 60.3 % at four points midway along each side 1 in. (25 mm) in from the

edge of the specimen and average for the thickness swelling determination (Note 35).

NOTE 35—Where a common practice or special consideration requires edge

thickness determinations at the edge or another distance from the edge, the edge

distance used shall be reported. For textured surfaces, the surface area of the measuring

device shall be of sufficient diameter as not to penetrate localized indentations of the

surface texture.

METHOD A 2 PLUS 22–h SUBMERSION PERIOD

104. 2 Plus 22–h Submersion in Water

104.1 Submerge the specimen horizontally under 1 in. (25 mm) of distilled water

maintained at a temperature of 68 6 2°F (20 6 1°C) (Note 36). Fresh water shall be used

for each test. As an alternative to the above method of submersion, specimens may be

submerged vertically (Note 37). After a 2-h submersion, suspend the specimen to drain

for 10 6 2 min, at the end of which time remove the excess surface water and immediately

weigh the specimen and determine the thickness according to Section 103. Submerge
the specimen for an additional period of 22–h and repeat the above weighing and

measuring procedure.

NOTE 36—When tap water has been proven sufficiently pure so that results of test

are not affected, it may be used as an alternative to distilled water.

NOTE 37—The amounts of water absorbed for tests of this duration are not the

same for the two methods of submersion. Specimens suspended vertically will absorb

considerably more water than those suspended horizontally. Therefore, values obtained

from the horizontal and vertical methods are not comparable.

METHOD B SINGLE CONTINUOUS 24–h

SUBMERSION PERIOD

105. Single Continuous 24–h Submersion in Water

105.1 The procedure for determining water absorption after a 24–h submersion

shall be the same as that provided in Sections 100 through 104 and Sections 106 through

107, except that only two sets of measurements are required, initial and after the 24–h

submersion period.

106. Drying After Submersion

106.1 After submersion dry the specimen in an oven at 217 6 4°F (103 6 2°C) as

outlined in Sections 120 and 121.

107. Calculation and Report

107.1 Calculate the moisture content (based on oven-dry weight) from the weights

after conditioning and after the 2 plus 22–h or single continuous 24–h submersion period.
Report which submersion period, Method A or Method B, was followed. Calculate the

amount of water absorbed from the increase in weight of the specimen during the

submersion, and express the water absorption both as the percentage by volume and by

weight based on the volume and the weight, respectively, after conditioning. Assume the

specific gravity of the water to be 1.00 for this purpose. Express the thickness swelling as

a percentage of the original thickness. When any other size of specimen than the 12-in.

(305-mm) square one is used, the report shall include the size used. In addition, give the

method of submersion if other than horizontal.

Nail-Pull Through (ASTM D1037-99)

Standard Test Methods for Mechanical Fasteners in Wood

Significance and Use

4.1 The resistance of a species of wood or a wood-base product to direct

withdrawal of nails, staples, or screws is a measure of its ability to hold or be held to an

adjoining object by means of such fasteners. Factors that affect this withdrawal resistance

include the physical and mechanical properties of the wood; the size, shape, and surface

condition of the fasteners; the speed of withdrawal; orientation of fiber axis; and the

occurrence and nature of pre-bored lead holes.

4.2 By using standard size and type of nails, staple, or screw, withdrawal,

resistance of a wood species or wood product can be determined, and such values for

two or more wood species or wood products can be compared. Throughout the method

this is referred to as the basic withdrawal test. Similarly, comparative performances of

different sized or types of nail, staple, or screw can be determined by using a standard
procedure with a particular wood or wood product, which eliminates the wood or the wood

product as a variable. Since differences in test methods can have considerable influence

on results, it is important that a standard procedure be specified and adhered to, if test

values are to be related to other test results.

1. Scope

1.1 These test methods provide a basic procedure for evaluating the resistance of

wood and wood-base materials to direct withdrawal of nails, staples, and

screws. Spikes are included as nails in this standard.

1.2 The test also provide a basis for determining comparable performance of

different types and sized of nails, staples, and screws in direct withdrawal form

wood and wood-base materials.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any,

associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to

establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the

applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use

Construction Time Frame

Tre proponents used the Gantt Chart to given an overview of the amount of time

consumed in the project with respect to the necessary activities for the completion of the

experimental study entitled “Fire Resistive Moringa Pods Particleboard” as shown in

Figure 4.
 Number of Weeks
Activities
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Planning

Gathering of

Information

Harvesting of

Materials

Milling and

Shredding

Air Drying or

Sun Drying

Mixing

Molding/Pre

Compressing

Compressing

and Curing

Sanding and

Coating

Testing and

Revision

Figure 4. Gant Chart

 The figure above shows various procedures and activities that were used to

produce the Fire Resistive Moringa Pods Particleboard. The time duration was

expressed in weeks. The whole project development consumed about 9 weeks that

started from August 2019 to December 2019. The activities include planning, gathering

of information, harvesting of materials, milling & shredding, mixing, air drying, mixing,

molding/pre compressing, compressing and curing, sanding and coating, and testing

and revision.

Cost of Materials

Table 3 presents all the relevant data for the cost of materials.

Table 3. Cost of Materials

Materials Quantity Total Price (Php)

Moringa Pods 6 kgs. 50.00
Sandpaper 5 pcs. 50.00
Wood Glue 1 kg. 130.00
Urea
Formaldehyde 4 liters 128.00
Ammonium
Chloride 80 g 0.00
Boric Acid 2 kgs 430.00
Polyurethane 1 liter 255.00
Molder 150.00
Material Cost 1,193.00
Labor Cost 417.44
Total Cost 1610.55

The table above shows the materials, Quantity and its amount used in the project

development, the researchers spent Php 1610.55 for all the needed materials for the

construction of Fire Resistive Moringa Pods Particleboard.