Utilization of the coconut shell of babaçu (Orbignya sp.) to produce cement-bonded particleboard.

This experiment evaluated the use of the material of the outer coconut shell of babaçu (Orbignya sp.), a palm tree from Brazil, for the manufacture of particleboards bonded with Portland cement. Four treatments were analyzed at two target densities (1.2 g/cm3 and 1.4 g/cm3) and two levels (0% and 4%) of addition of calcium chloride. The lignocellulosic material from babaçu presented a low cement inhibition index according to the hydration test. Testing of manufactured panels showed that good physical and mechanical properties were achieved at the treatment levels tested.