97 Utilization Of Agro-Industrial Waste In The Production And Characterisation Of Particle Board: A Review *Ifiemi Tulagha & Egbe Ebiyeritei Wisdom Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. *Corresponding author Email: ayibanoa4christ@yahoo.com, Phone: +2348139023350 ABSTRACT Particle board is a popular choice for construction and furniture because it is affordable. However, the production of particle board traditionally relies on the use of virgin wood, leading to deforestation and environmental degradation. To address this issue, researchers are exploring sustainable options such as utilizing agricultural waste like rice husks, bagasse, straw, sawdust, coconut husk, and jute waste. These materials are readily available in many agricultural regions and can serve as alternatives to virgin wood in the production of particle boards. To reduce the environmental impact of particle board production and maximize their economic value, it is important to utilize waste materials. Evaluating particleboards made from agro-industrial waste involves assessing various attributes including physical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. These properties determine the suitability of the particle board for different applications. Physical characteristics like density and moisture content have an impact on durability and stability. Mechanical properties such as bending strength and internal bond strength indicate its load- bearing capacity. The characteristics related to heat transfer and fire safety, such as thermal conductivity and fire resistance, play a crucial role in applications that require insulation from high temperatures. Studies have indicated that agricultural waste materials can be utilized effectively in the manufacturing of particle boards, meeting the necessary criteria for different uses. However, additional research is required to enhance the production process and optimize the properties of these boards. Keywords: Agricultural wastes, particle board, deforestation, utilization, coconut husk, rice husks INTRODUCTION The widely used engineered wood-based panel known as particle board is made of wood particles mixed with a synthetic resin. It can be used for a variety of substrate applications such as furniture, kitchen worktops, interior signs, sliding doors, home constructions, flooring, shelving, and cabinets, office drivers, counters, wall and ceiling, tables, and other industrial products (Baharoğlu, et al., 2014). Given low-cost wood and other lignocellulose fibrous materials are more economical, particle board composite has become more and more popular worldwide (Nemli et al., 2009). Particle Boards are made from a variety of waste materials, including kitchen scraps, sugarcane residue, rice husk, jute sticks, and waste wood. It is suggested that watermelon peels be used to make particle board instead of wood-based boards (Idris et al., 2011). Particleboard was made from fonio husk and International Journal of Innovative Scientific & Engineering Technologies Research 11(1):97-110, Jan-Mar., 2023 © SEAHI PUBLICATIONS, 2023 www.seahipaj.org ISSN: 2360-896X