Application of maltodextrin-based adhesive on particleboard made from Salacca frond

Maltodextrin is a potential natural adhesive for particleboard because it is reactive and freely soluble in water. However, maltodextrin has a low water resistance and a high melting point that hinder its development as a particleboard adhesive. An addition of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) as a catalyst of maltodextrin was expected to overcome its weaknesses. The optimal pressing temperature was expected to be affected due to the addition of catalysts. This research aimed to investigate the effect of maltodextrin/ADP ratios and pressing temperatures on particleboard properties made from Salacca frond. The maltodextrin/ADP ratios used in this research were 100/0, 90/10, and 80/20 wt%, and the pressing temperatures were set at 200 and 220 °C. The combination of an increased ADP ratio in maltodextrin and an increased pressing temperature improved the particleboard properties. The water resistance was also significantly improved by addition of ADP and increased pressing temperature. Thermal analyses showed that the onset temperature of weight reduction of maltodextrin added particles was lowered by addition of ADP. The results suggested that a maltodextrin/ADP mixture could be a promising particleboard binder.