Forest resources alone will not be able to meet the growing demand for wood and wood-based panel materials. Rice Husk Particle Board, made from readily available rice husk, can effectively replace the demand for panel materials. Additionally, these boards allow for the reuse of waste materials and can be made at a minimal cost. The Indian Plywood Industries Research & Training Institute (IPIR&TI), Bangalore, India, has developed a unique method for manufacturing boards from rice husk using suitable binding agents. This method is unique in terms of value addition and completes utilization of the husk without strict chemical composition requirements. In 1985, IPIRTI’s RHPB technology was transferred to the National Research Corporation (NRDC) of New Delhi, India, a Government of India enterprise, for further development and commercialization. In 1987, NRDC licensed the technology to M/S Padmavathy Panel Boards Pvt. Ltd (PPBL), Bangalore, Karnataka, and cooperated with PPBL to solve the difficulty of moving technology from the lab to the factory.
Rice Husk Board is the first product of its kind to be produced in India as a viable alternative to wood-based panel boards. NRDC has been assigned IPIR’s patented technology for commercial exploitation. In 1988, the technology was licensed to a Bangalore entrepreneur who planned to build a commercial plant. The NRDC has provided the firm with an interest-free developmental loan through its ‘Technology Development Programme’ to fulfill the project’s costs. The NRDC has also provided engineering assistance to the project. The Corporation and the entrepreneur worked together to supervise the project. In a world record time of 18 months, the unit was put into production. The company is currently in regular production and has produced several goods to fulfill a variety of needs. As a substitute for wood-based panel boards, the product is well-received on the market.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: When compared to wood particle boards and other similar panel materials, the upgraded rice husk particle boards have the following distinguishing advantages:
- Resistance to Termites
- Resistance to Decay
- Resistance to fire
- Resistance to Rodents
Rice husk boards are available in a variety of densities, thicknesses, kinds, and grades to meet a variety of needs. The manufacturing method, which is based on cutting-edge technology, provides total quality. Wall Paneling, Doors, Windows, Furniture, Table Tops, False Ceilings, Roofing Panels, Insulation, Partitions, Stage Setting, Industrial and Domestic Floorings, and so on are only a few examples of product applications.
IPIR & TI, Bengaluru, has refined and improved the technology for producing rice husk particle board using modified resin binding technology to achieve multilayers. The RHBP panels are strong enough to meet the requirements of the applicable specifications and standards. RHPB has improved over the years, as shown in the table below:
RHPB Technology was founded in 1985.
(RHPB Technology Post 2010)
- Rice husk particle board with many layers
- Face and core particles are separated, resulting in a clean surface finish.
- The physical and mechanical qualities meet the requirements of IS3087-1985: Medium Density Particle Board Type Specification. 2 three-layered flat pressed boards
- The board is resistant to termites, rot, and fire.
Rice-growing countries around the world have enormous challenges in disposing of rice husk trash, which poses a major environmental concern if burned. Rice Husk Particle Board manufacturing method developed at the Indian Plywood Industries Research Institute in Bangalore has emerged as one of the finest answers to this problem because it helps to maintain eco-balance and conserve the eco-system. In India, as well as many other rice-growing countries, patents have been submitted.
This board has shown to be a viable alternative to wood in a variety of applications. Furthermore, these boards can be created to be decorative. Several Indian companies have been granted licenses, and a turnkey facility has been established in Malaysia. The company has also created floor tiles (made of rice husk), fire-resistant doors, and other products with a granite-like finish. Furthermore, during the Gujarat earthquake, the technology’s licensee assisted in the construction of a huge number of low-cost houses.
Rice husk is the most readily available of all agricultural wastes. It is a by-product of the country’s most major agro-based sector, paddy milling. Rice husk is produced in the country in quantities of 2 million tonnes per year. For the past two decades, researchers have been trying to figure out how to use rice husk to make useful products. However, due to its high silica concentration, the traditional particle board manufacturing method failed.
For the past three decades, researchers have been trying to figure out how to use rice husk to make useful products. However, few successful approaches have been developed because of their peculiar chemical composition.
Using modified phenol cardanol formaldehyde resins, IPIRTI has perfected a process for producing multilayered particleboard. The panels’ strength qualities meet the applicable specifications’ requirements. The boards have a strong termite resistance and are fire-resistant.
The proposed method has a large environmental impact because it uses rice husk to avoid deforestation in one way.
IPIR&TI, Bengaluru, will supply all technical know-how, as well as training and process demonstrations on a pilot plant size. Please contact NRDC if your company is interested in commercializing the product in India or other countries.
Conclusion
Rice Husk Particle Board’s research and development is an example of radical product development innovation. In everyday applications, it takes the place of well-known and widely used wood and wood-based particle board. It took a long time to do the research
To avoid depletion of forest resources and environmental deterioration, the Ministry of Science and Technology recognized the necessity to find alternative materials (identification of new products). It was determined that a specialized research institute capable of conducting research projects could be found. The necessary” funds were made available to conduct research. NRDC, which had extensive experience in the subject, was given the duty of technology transfer. The transfer of technology has been smooth and the project has been a success thanks to the provision of necessary funds and the promoter’s commitment.
Author: Pratik Maitra, Symbiosis Law School, Hyderabad
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