DEVELOPMENT OF COCONUT FIBERBOARDS TO ADD VALUE TO WASTE MATERIALS BASED ON THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY CONCEPT: A CASE STUDY OF COCONUT FARMING COMMUNITIES IN SAM KHWAI PHUEAK SUBDISTRICT, MUEANG DISTRICT, NAKHON PATHOM PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to: 1) Study guidelines for value creation from coconut agricultural waste, 2) Develop pressed boards fabricated from coconut waste, and 3) Transfer the production technology of coconut waste pressed boards to the community. This study employed a qualitative research method combined with Research and Development (R&D). The sample group, selected through purposive sampling, consisted of 11 key informants and 30 participants in the technology transfer activity. The research instruments included semi-structured interviews, open-ended questionnaires, satisfaction evaluation forms, and physical property testing. The results indicated that guidelines for increasing the value of coconut waste should focus on developing value-added products from coconut fibers and shells, such as pressed boards, insulation boards, decorative materials, and cushioning packaging. Regarding the development of pressed boards, the formulation consisting of 100% coconut fiber with a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder, hot-pressed at 130°C for 40 minutes, yielded the best results in terms of surface texture, strength, and shape retention. This optimal formulation exhibited an average moisture content of 11.26%, an average oven-dry density of 407.50 kg/m3, an average modulus of rupture (MOR) of 17.92 MPa, and an average modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 2,130.00 MPa. Meanwhile, the formulation of 50% coconut fiber blended with 50% coconut coir dust showed an average moisture content of 12.60%, an average oven-dry density of 421.67 kg/m³, an average MOR of 15.15 MPa, and an average MOE of 1,975.00 MPa. Overall, both formulations met the Thai Industrial Standards (TIS). Comparative analysis revealed that the 100% fiber- pressed boards possessed superior mechanical properties and shape retention, making them suitable for development into container mats or interior decorative panels, whereas the coir dust blend formulation was more brittle and suitable for non-load-bearing applications. Furthermore, the technology transfer results showed that the community representatives expressed a high level of overall satisfaction with the activity.