Perpustakaan Digital ITB

Solid waste of paper mill hydrapulper rejects (HR) has a relatively high plastic content, with around 45-49% composition of the total HR. About 99% of the plastic has the category of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is a type of Polyethylene (PE) plastic which has high recyclability and may be reformed at high temperature. This study tries to describe the potential of producing particleboards derived from HR using a hot-press method. Molded HR was being hot-pressed at a pressure of 25 kgf/cm2 for 5 – 15 minutes of residence time, with a variation of the amount of HR from 150-500 g, and variations in hot-press temperature of 150-180°C. Products were then analyzed for parameters such as moisture content, density, water absorption, thickness swelling, and internal bond and compared to SNI 03-2105-2006 and JIS A 5908-2003 standard. The results showed that most of the samples were relatively accepted to the SNI, with only a few data could meet JIS. The best results are obtained at HR weight of 250 g with 165 and 180°C pressing temperature and pressing time more than 10 minutes. The addition of HDPE pellets showed an increment of density and decrement of moisture content of particleboard, while the addition of Maleic Anhydride (MA) showed some decrements of moisture content and water absorption of particleboard.