Diseño de compuesto sostenible utilizando resina epóxica biobasada y cascarilla de arroz para tableros aglomerados

Abstract

CONDITION FOR PUBLICATION OF PROJECT. The project is focused on the development of a lightweight particleboard made from rice husk and bio-based epoxy resin, justifying its relevance through the valorization of agro-industrial waste and the generation of sustainable materials. The objective is to evaluate the technical feasibility of the biocomposite by analyzing its physical, mechanical, and curing behavior; the hypothesis proposes that the husk–resin ratio and thermal curing control directly influence the crosslinking process and the final material performance. The project development was carried out by monitoring the curing process using NIR spectroscopy, applying a thermal treatment and a post-curing stage; test specimens were manufactured and their physical and mechanical properties were evaluated under comparative criteria and in accordance with the NTE INEN 3110 standard. The results showed a decrease in absorbance associated with N–H groups and stabilization of characteristic epoxy curing bands, confirming the formation of a crosslinked network. The 60C–40R formulation exhibited a flexural strength (MOR) of 13.69 MPa and a flexural modulus (MOE) of 293.69 MPa, values lower than those reported for natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites and commercial structural panels, but higher than those of particleboards manufactured from agro-industrial residues, together with low density, a moisture content of 3.21%, and a contact angle of 93.3°. In conclusion, the material is positioned as a lightweight panel with a favorable strength-to-weight ratio and potential for non-structural insulation applications in dry environments. Keywords: Particleboard, Bio-based epoxy resin, Rice husk, Sustainable materials, NIR spectroscopy.